Northern California Atmospheric River Update - January 2026
Northern California Atmospheric River Update
January 6, 2026 | Sacramento, Elk Grove, Lodi & Stockton Focus
Executive Summary
Northern California has been impacted by a series of powerful atmospheric river storms that began in late December 2025 and continued through the first week of January 2026. As of January 6, 2026, the most intense rainfall has passed, but residual flooding effects persist across the Sacramento Valley region.
Key Points: No levee failures have been reported in the focus area. Rivers remain below major flood stage. Most road closures have been lifted. Drier conditions are expected through the weekend.
Storm Timeline and Intensity
The first major atmospheric river of 2026 made landfall on January 2, 2026, and continued through January 5, delivering substantial moisture to Northern and Central California. The National Weather Service classified this as a Level 3 (moderate to strong) atmospheric river, with integrated vapor transport (IVT) values between 800 and 1,000 kg m⁻¹ s⁻¹.
The timing proved especially impactful as the atmospheric river coincided with "king tides"—the highest astronomical tides that occur when the sun, moon, and Earth align while the moon is at its closest point to Earth. San Francisco recorded its highest tide since 1988, with water levels reaching almost 7.5 feet above normal.
Rainfall Totals by Location (January 1-6, 2026)
Impacts by City
Sacramento County
Sacramento County experienced widespread localized flooding that prompted multiple road closures and at least one water rescue on January 3-4, 2026. Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District rescued a delivery driver who became stranded in approximately 2 feet of water near Kiefer Boulevard and Jackson Road.
Sacramento Road Closures (January 3-5)
- Sorento Road: Closed between Elverta and Rio Linda roads
- Kiefer Boulevard: Closed from Jackson Road (Highway 16) to Kiefer Landfill
- Scott Road: Closed between Boys Ranch and Latrobe roads
- Pellandini Road: Remains closed from Robson Road to Twin Cities Road
Elk Grove
Elk Grove experienced heavy rain that created hazardous driving conditions, with dash camera footage capturing the intensity of the downpours sweeping through the area. While specific flooding reports for Elk Grove were less severe than other parts of Sacramento County, the city remained under flood watch conditions through January 5, 2026.
Lodi
Lodi and surrounding San Joaquin County areas were placed under flood advisories due to moderate to heavy rain moving across the region. The National Weather Service issued warnings about minor flooding in low-lying areas and emphasized that residents should never drive across flooded roads.
Stockton
Stockton experienced notable flooding impacts, with street flooding documented on Sunday, January 4, 2026. The city took proactive flood protection measures by officially closing the Smith Canal Gate for the first time since its completion.
Smith Canal Gate Closure
This state-of-the-art flood control infrastructure, completed in 2024 and representing a nearly $100 million investment, was closed on Monday, January 5, when water levels reached 8 feet. The 50-foot-wide barrier protects thousands of homes in central Stockton's flood-prone areas.
The gate was reopened at 10 p.m. on Monday, with potential for additional closures depending on weather conditions. Once FEMA provides final approval (expected early 2026), approximately 8,000 homes will no longer be required to carry flood insurance.
River Levels and Flood Stage Status
As of January 6, 2026, multiple river systems in the region are experiencing elevated levels, though most remain below flood stage.
| River Location | Current Stage | Flood Stage | Forecast | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sacramento River at I Street Bridge | 25.1 ft | 33.5 ft | Fluctuate near 25.0 ft | Below Flood Stage |
| Sacramento River at Verona | 33.9 ft | 41.3 ft | Fluctuate near 34.0 ft | Below Flood Stage |
| Sacramento River at Tehama Bridge | 210.7 ft | 210.0 ft | Drop below flood stage Tuesday PM | Minor Flooding |
| Fremont Weir | 34.3 ft | 32.0 ft (overflow) | Overflow ~2.0 ft through Thursday | Overflowing |
| Yolo Bypass at Lisbon | 14.1 ft | 19.0 ft | Rise to near 16.0 ft Wednesday | Monitor Stage |
| Mokelumne River at Benson's Ferry | ~12.0 ft | 17.0 ft | Stable | Below Flood Stage |
Sacramento River at I Street Bridge - Current vs. Flood Stage
Levee Status and Risks
As of January 6, 2026, there are no reports of levee failures or imminent breaches in the Sacramento, Elk Grove, Lodi, or Stockton areas related to the current atmospheric river event. This represents a significant success for the region's flood control infrastructure.
Recent Levee Improvements
Sacramento River East Levee Project
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is implementing nearly $1.8 billion in upgrades to Sacramento's flood risk management system:
- Up to 13 miles of seepage cutoff walls
- 21 miles of bank protection
- 5 miles of levee stabilization
- 5 miles of levee raises
- Widening of the Sacramento Weir and bypass
Construction began in 2019 and is estimated to continue through 2027.
Travel Advisories and Road Conditions
As of Tuesday morning, January 6, most major highways in the Sacramento Valley have reopened, with primary travel restrictions related to dense fog rather than flooding.
Current Highway Conditions
| Highway | Status | Advisory |
|---|---|---|
| Interstate 5 (Sacramento Area) | Open | No flooding-related closures |
| Highway 99 | Open | Dense fog advisory Sac/Sutter to Sutter/Butte County line |
| Highway 80 (Sierra) | Open with Caution | Check mountain conditions before travel |
| Highway 50 (Sierra) | Open with Caution | Check mountain conditions before travel |
Travel Safety Reminders
- "Turn Around, Don't Drown": Never attempt to drive through flooded roadways
- Check conditions: Use Caltrans QuickMap for real-time road conditions
- Reduce speed: Turn on wipers and headlights, slow down, increase following distance
- Report flooding: Sacramento County residents call 311 or (209) 468-3074
Weather Forecast and Outlook
The atmospheric river pattern that dominated the first week of January 2026 is breaking down, with drier conditions expected to settle in across Northern California.
| Date | Forecast |
|---|---|
| Tuesday, January 6 | Transitional day; lingering morning showers, partial afternoon sunshine. Temps 50s-low 60s. |
| Wednesday, January 7 | Weak system brings morning clouds to Sacramento; minimal precipitation. Afternoon sunshine returns. |
| Thursday - Weekend | Dry, stable weather with high pressure. Pleasant conditions, no rain forecast. |
Key Takeaways
- Storm Intensity Decreasing: The most intense rainfall has passed; conditions transitioning to drier weather.
- Localized Flooding Occurred: Sacramento, Elk Grove, Lodi, and Stockton all experienced localized flooding and road closures, but no catastrophic flooding materialized.
- No Levee Failures: Despite elevated river levels, the region's levee system held with no breaches reported. Stockton's Smith Canal Gate performed successfully.
- Rivers Below Major Flood Stage: None of the rivers in the immediate Sacramento-Stockton area reached flood stage, though upper Sacramento River had minor flooding.
- Infrastructure Performing: Recent flood control investments (Sacramento River East Levee, Smith Canal Gate) are functioning as designed.
- Preparedness Remains Important: While this event is concluding, the Sacramento region remains the nation's greatest metropolitan flood risk.
Emergency Preparedness Resources
- Sandbags: Available at 3847 Branch Center Road, Sacramento
- SJ County Alerts: Sign up at www.sjready.org or text SJStorms to 888777
- Flood Information: Sacramento Area Flood Control Agency
- Road Conditions: Caltrans QuickMap
- Sacramento County 311: Report flooding and request assistance
References & Sources
- CBS Sacramento: Cold atmospheric river brings rain to Northern California
- Newsweek: Flood Warning Issued in California as River Depth Hits 210 Feet
- CBS Sacramento: Stockton's Smith Canal Gate officially closes for first time
- AccuWeather: Early 2026 storms bring heavy rain to the western US
- Stocktonia: Areas of Central Valley put on flood watch
- Local News Matters: Flood watch remains in effect Monday
- SF Chronicle: Rain exits, sunshine slowly returns to the Bay Area
- U.S. Army Corps of Engineers: Sacramento Levee Upgrades
- NOAA: Sacramento River at I Street Bridge
- San Joaquin County: Flood Watch Advisory