National Weather ServiceCaliforniaWinter Storm WatchArchive to October 1, 2026
Winter Storm Watches in California
The National Weather Service issued 54 winter storm watches for California in 2025 and 60 a year on average in 2008-2025; in 2021-2025 it had the 1st most of any state. 2026 through September: 20, 50% below the average of 40 for those months in 2008-2025. West Slope Northern Sierra Nevada was covered most often (202 times since 2008).
How many winter storm watches does California get?
Every winter storm watch that covered part of California. 2026 is an outline: the year is not over.
The numbers
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2026 (through September) | 20 |
| 2025 | 54 |
| 2024 | 69 |
| 2023 | 76 |
| 2022 | 50 |
| 2021 | 79 |
| 2020 | 40 |
| 2019 | 101 |
| 2018 | 50 |
| 2017 | 54 |
| 2016 | 55 |
| 2015 | 30 |
| 2014 | 37 |
| 2013 | 16 |
| 2012 | 71 |
| 2011 | 65 |
| 2010 | 108 |
| 2009 | 52 |
| 2008 | 81 |
Source: Iowa Environmental Mesonet archive of National Weather Service watches, warnings and advisories (VTEC); National Weather Service. Data as of October 1, 2026.
When in the year does California get them?
Sum of 2008-2025; the busiest month is labelled.
Source: Iowa Environmental Mesonet archive of National Weather Service watches, warnings and advisories (VTEC); National Weather Service. Data as of October 1, 2026.
Where in California?
| County or forecast zone | Since 2008 | Since 2023 | Last issued |
|---|---|---|---|
| West Slope Northern Sierra Nevada | 202 | 31 | April 11, 2026 |
| Western Plumas County/Lassen Park | 196 | 29 | April 11, 2026 |
| Greater Lake Tahoe Area | 142 | 30 | April 21, 2026 |
| South Central Siskiyou County | 141 | 29 | February 22, 2026 |
| Western Siskiyou County | 132 | 31 | February 22, 2026 |
| North Central and Southeast Siskiyou County | 130 | 27 | February 22, 2026 |
| Mono | 119 | 28 | April 21, 2026 |
| Sierra Nevada from Yosemite to Kings Canyon | 109 | 0 | March 27, 2019 |
| Lassen-Eastern Plumas-Eastern Sierra Counties | 101 | 24 | April 11, 2026 |
| Eastern Sierra Slopes of Inyo County | 96 | 21 | February 16, 2026 |
| Tulare County Mountains | 82 | 0 | March 27, 2019 |
| San Bernardino County Mountains | 76 | 17 | February 16, 2026 |
The NWS issues these products for counties or forecast zones; a zone can be part of a county or a mountain range.
Source: Iowa Environmental Mesonet archive of National Weather Service watches, warnings and advisories (VTEC); National Weather Service. Data as of October 1, 2026.
What is a winter storm watch?
A winter storm watch means a significant winter storm is possible in the coming days. A watch means the conditions for the hazard are possible or favourable, but it is not yet happening: be ready to act if a warning follows. The national record · Every warning type in California.