Recent Snows Boost Sierra Snowpack Above Normal

news image
Special Stories
6 Feb 2019 2:58 PM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WYN2Byr4zP8 On January 31, the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) conducted their second Sierra snow survey of 2019. The manual measurements at Phillips Station recorded 50 inches of snow depth and a snow water equivalent (SWE) of 18 inches. That came in around 98 percent of average for this location. Since then, the statewide SWE has jumped from 100 to 125% of normal. Atmospheric rivers pumping in tropical moisture have helped supply powerful storms across the west. For perspective, on February 1 of last year the SWE of 2.6 inches was only 14 percent of the early-February average.   “The snowpack across California is on par with the historical average for this time of year, thanks in no small part to an atmospheric river that brought heavy snowstorms to the Sierra Nevada. Typically, California relies on a handful of large storms like we saw earlier this year.” said DWR Director Karla Nemeth. “It’s a start, but the next two or three months will determine what it means for our reservoirs and overall water supply.” Snowmelt in California supplies about 30 percent of the state’s water needs. Reservoirs rely on snowpack water content to receive enough snowmelt runoff to meet water demands during the summer and fall. Winter Sierra snow is also crucial for drought mitigation. Between January 22 and January 29, D0-D4 drought conditions went from 92% to 76% “The data we collect allows us to forecast how much snowmelt will run off into our streams and reservoirs,” said John Paasch, Chief of DWR’s Hydrology and Flood Office. “Snowpack is an important factor in determining how DWR manages California’s water resources each year to sustainably meet demands.” Content Courtesy of California Department of Water Resources
All Weather News
More
Stormy Days Ahead for the Northeast and Mid-Alantic

Stormy Days Ahead for the Northeast and Mid-Alantic

The Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions will k

9 May 2025 3:15 AM
Severe Thunderstorm Threat from Texas to Florida

Severe Thunderstorm Threat from Texas to Florida

A splitting storm system will bring the threa

9 May 2025 3:05 AM
Late Week Heat Back in the West

Late Week Heat Back in the West

WEST - Hazardous heat is back in the forecast

9 May 2025 3:05 AM
Southeast Soaker This Weekend

Southeast Soaker This Weekend

A large trough of low pressure stalls over th

8 May 2025 1:40 AM
Major Spring Storm Continues With Rain & Snow For the Rockies

Major Spring Storm Continues With Rain & Snow For the Rockies

Looking at the rain from a glass half full le

7 May 2025 12:40 PM
Flooding Threat Takes Aim at the Gulf Coast

Flooding Threat Takes Aim at the Gulf Coast

The forecast remains wet in the southern plai

7 May 2025 2:00 AM
Rainy Forecast Could Disrupt Kentucky Derby

Rainy Forecast Could Disrupt Kentucky Derby

Louisville is gearing up for the 151st Kentuc

3 May 2025 4:30 PM