Significant Sierra snow is in the forecast later this week. Blizzard conditions are possible above 5,000 feet.This will likely be the biggest snowstorm Northern California has seen all season. TimingA few snow showers may develop Thursday morning, with steadier snow by the evening. Snow will be continuous Thursday night into Friday.The heaviest snow is expected Friday afternoon through Saturday morning. Travel is strongly discouraged during this time. Powdery snow will accumulate fast above 5,000 feet, and winds will create whiteout conditions. This is when blizzard conditions are most likely.Snow will taper off Saturday afternoon, but travel issues should be expected the entire day as crews work to clear snow.Snow LevelThis storm will have plenty of cold air to work with, which means the snow level will be much lower compared to recent storms. When snow begins on Thursday, the snow level will likely be around 5,000 feet.By Friday, the snow level is expected to drop to 4,000 feet. As the storm pulls away Saturday, the snow level could briefly drop as low as 2,000 feet. Snow totalsThree-day snow totals are expected to be the biggest that we have seen yet this season. Locations at and above 6,000 feet could see 6 to 8 feet of snow between Thursday and Saturday afternoon. Snow will accumulate the fastest late Friday into early Saturday. Communities at 5,000 feet should prepare for 3 to 6 feet of snow between Thursday night and Saturday. The snow level is expected to be low enough by Friday for significant accumulation at 4,000 feet. This includes communities like Pollock Pines. About 2 feet of snow may accumulate from Friday into Saturday. Up to a foot of snow is possible at 3,000 feet late Friday into Saturday. Specific accumulations will depend on when enough cold air moves in to change rain to snow. Valley ImpactsWhile this storm has the ingredients for big snow totals, the rain will be less impactful in the valley. Rainfall accumulations from Thursday evening through Saturday will likely range between an inch and an inch and a half. Friday will likely be the wettest day, with some locations seeing about a half an inch of rain. These rainfall totals will not be enough to cause any street or stream flooding in the Valley. Lower snow levels will limit runoff into creeks and rivers, including the Cosumnes.Get California storm-readyDownload our app for the latest breaking news and weather alertsTrack live California Doppler radarSee our live traffic mapSend us your weather videos and photosBe prepared for road closures: Download Caltrans' QuickMap app or check the latest QuickMap road conditions here. This will also show chain control information.Follow our KCRA weather team on social mediaChief meteorologist Mark Finan on Facebook and TwitterMeteorologist Tamara Berg on Facebook and TwitterMeteorologist Dirk Verdoorn on FacebookMeteorologist/Climate Reporter Heather Waldman on Facebook and TwitterWatch our forecasts on TV or onlineHere's where to find our latest video forecast. You can also watch a livestream of our latest newscast here. The banner on our website turns red when we're live.We're also streaming on the Very Local app for Roku, Apple TV or Amazon Fire TV.