Date: February 13, 2026

District: District 3 - Marysville

Sergio Aceves, District Director

Contact: Jeremy Linder (530) 701-5209

Coldest Storm of the Season Expected to Impact Holiday Travel

Several Feet of Snow, Gusty Winds and Valley Rain Forecasted

MARYSVILLE – Caltrans is alerting motorists about the next round of winter weather that is expected to impact travel across the Sierra Nevada on Presidents Day and into next week.

The National Weather Service (NWS) forecast calls for several feet of snow along mountain passes beginning late Sunday, February 15 with the potential for snow levels dropping down into the foothills by the middle of the week.

A Winter Storm Watch has been issued Sunday, February 15 through Wednesday, February 18. The exact timing and amounts are still uncertain, however the confidence in a major snowstorm is high. Early estimates show around 1 foot of snow between 3,000 and 4,000 feet and 4 to 8 feet of snow at the higher elevations. Wind gusts are also forecast as high as 55 mph. 

Motorists are highly encouraged to check the NWS forecast for any updates and avoid travel through the Sierra Nevada if possible. If motorists must travel through the Sierra Nevada, be prepared for chain controls, additional travel times and delays. 

Caltrans advises ensuring your vehicle has a full tank of gas or full charge, chains, and extra supplies in the event of an emergency or if traffic is held for an extended period of time. Those supplies should include but are not limited to: extra snacks, water, a blanket and a flashlight.

The forecast calls for 2 to 3 inches of rain in the valley with gusty winds and isolated thunderstorms. Motorists traveling in the valley should be prepared for localized flooding, additional travel times and delays. Caltrans advises that vehicles have properly functioning headlights and windshield wipers and not to drive through flooded roads.

For additional information check Caltrans’ QuickMap quickmap.dot.ca.gov/ before traveling for current road conditions and chain requirements or download the QuickMap app from the App Store or Google Play. Road information is also available on Caltrans’ website or by calling the California Highway Information Network automated phone service at 1-800-427-ROAD (7623).

Caltrans District 3 is responsible for maintaining and operating 4,385 lane miles in 11 Sacramento Valley and Northern Sierra counties. The department issues updates on X @CaltransDist3 and on Facebook at CaltransDistrict3.

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