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yesterday

First Sierra Snow Survey Finds 24 Inches at Phillips Station, Statewide Snowpack at 71% of Average

Officials say reservoirs are in good shape, with the water outlook uncertain pending more winter storms.

Residents of Donner Lake dig out in Truckee after a late-December storm. State officials said Tuesday state snowpack measured 71% of average for this time of year.
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Overview

  • The California Department of Water Resources conducted the season’s first manual survey at Phillips Station, measuring 24 inches of snow with water content at 50% of the date’s average and 21% of the typical April 1 level.
  • Statewide electronic readings show the snowpack at 71% of average for this date.
  • Snowpack varies by region, with the Northern Sierra at 51% of average, the Central Sierra at 72%, and the Southern Sierra at 94%.
  • A state hydrometeorologist said last week’s storms significantly increased totals, and a colder storm is forecast later this week.
  • Major reservoirs are performing well for the season, including Folsom Lake at 136% of its average for this date and 56% of capacity, and Sierra snowmelt typically supplies about one-third of California’s annual water.