Adding to sigmetnow's post:
The attached images (courtesy Levi Cowan/tropicaltidbits.com) show the GFS forecast of total accumulated precipitation for Feb 2nd-9th (first attachment), and the GFS forecast of total snowfall for Feb 2nd-9th (second attachment). Per the GFS model (which has been a bit more bullish with this event than other models), Northern CA is to see a moderate-strong Atmospheric River (AR) event later this week (starting late Thursday), potentially dumping copious amounts of much need rain and snow. If the GFS forecast develops as advertised, Northern CA could see several inches of rain (2-4 inches widespread with local amounts up 10 inches), and the Sierra snowpack could get a nice little face lift (higher elevations potentially seeing up to 2-3 feet of snow). Of course, this would only be a small drop/flake in a large bucket, but we'll take whatever drop/flake we can get. Unfortunately, it appears that a ridge of high pressure will keep the southern half of the state from getting in on the action. However, even a slight shift to the southeast or weakening of the ridge (compared to what models are currently showing) would likely result in at least some precipitation making it into the northern parts of southern CA. Something to keep an eye!