A series of winter storms is forecast to dump up to eight feet of snow in California this week. And for residents of low-lying areas that don't often see snow, this week has turned out to be an exception. Snow levels, the elevation where rain turns to snow, will be lower in many places across the state.

Widespread rounds of mountain snow in California will continue through Thursday night, with additional pass closures. As yet more storms roll in from the Pacific, they will focus on the mountains of Northern California and expand over Oregon and Washington through nearly the end of February.

So far, the San Bernardino Mountains have received 12 to 15 inches of snow, with nearby Wrightwood getting six inches, said Adam Roser, another Weather Service meteorologist. Three inches of snow have landed on Idyllwild as of Tuesday morning, Feb. 17.

This winter has not been kind to the West, with consistent record warmth and a lack of snow. However, a major change is underway that may bring too much of a good thing to California.

A storm is expected to bring piles of Sierra snow and soak the Northern California region on Monday. The KCRA 3 weather team issued an Alert Day for Monday because of how risky conditions could be.