March Update: Sierra Snowpack Remains Well Above Average this Spring

news image
Special Stories
6 Mar 2023 6:19 PM

During the winter months the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) conducts monthly snow surveys, to determine snow depth and water content of the snowpack. 2023 has been a tremendous year so far for the surveys done in January and February - all above average. Recent snowfall in the Sierra (some spots saw over 10 feet in a WEEK) have continued to contribute meaningful moisture to the snowpack. Snowpack is significantly higher compared to the last 4 years and just behind the record year of 1982-83.

The monthly surveys are conducted at Philips Station, CA, near South Lake Tahoe. On March 3, DWR measured 116.5" of snow depth with a water equivalent of 41.5". This is 177% of average for this particular location. Statewide, the average is 192%! A closer look shows us that the southern Sierra is doing significantly better compared to the Northern Sierra in terms of percent of average. While both are above season to date and April 1 numbers (when snowpack typically peaks) there are larger reservoirs to fill in the northern Sierra.

Despite the recent snowfall, DWR says "groundwater basins are much slower to recover [than reservoirs and basins]. Many rural areas are still experiencing water supply challenges, especially communities that rely on groundwater supplies which have been depleted due to prolonged drought. It will take more than a single wet year for groundwater levels to substantially improve at a statewide scale." Looking at the drought monitor for California, we still see pockets of severe drought in the valleys where hopefully runoff will improve groundwater conditions later this year.

For more on the snowpack and current storm systems, join WeatherNation for the latest information in your western regional forecast always :50 past the hour.

All Weather News
More
Severe Weather Chances in Southern Plains

Severe Weather Chances in Southern Plains

A very sluggish weather pattern will result i

3 Oct 2023 2:50 AM
Pattern Change: Cooler Air & Rain Coming to Texas

Pattern Change: Cooler Air & Rain Coming to Texas

Are you ready for a pattern change in the sou

3 Oct 2023 2:45 AM
Tropics Update: Philippe Hangs on in the Atlantic

Tropics Update: Philippe Hangs on in the Atlantic

The 17th named storm of the Atlantic season,

3 Oct 2023 2:40 AM
Severe Weather Chances Increase for Upper Midwest

Severe Weather Chances Increase for Upper Midwest

The big weather story for the next couple of

3 Oct 2023 2:10 AM
Record Heat Coming to the Northeast, Cooling in the Great Lakes ...

Record Heat Coming to the Northeast, Cooling in the Great Lakes ...

A powerful ridge of high pressure that has br

3 Oct 2023 2:00 AM
Happening Wednesday: Nationwide Test of the Emergency Alert System

Happening Wednesday: Nationwide Test of the Emergency Alert System

Happening Wednesday, October 4th at 2:20 PM E

2 Oct 2023 7:00 PM
Get Ready for the Next Solar Eclipse!

Get Ready for the Next Solar Eclipse!

Set a reminder in your phone and calendar! Th

2 Oct 2023 5:20 PM