California Snowpack Levels Anticipated to Rise with Winter Storms
California’s snowpack levels in the Sierra Nevada are currently at just 65% of the average for this time of year, following an unusually dry January. However, there is hope on the horizon as state water officials are anticipating the arrival of two upcoming winter storms that are expected to bring much-needed snow and rain to bolster the state’s water supplies.
The first snow survey of the season was conducted by Andy Reising, the manager of snow surveys and water supply forecasting for the California Department of Water Resources, on January 2 at Phillips Station near South Lake Tahoe in the Sierra Nevada. As state officials carried out their monthly snow survey, they found that the snowpack measurements were below average, prompting concerns about the impact of the lack of precipitation on water resources across the state.
Andy Reising expressed his concerns, stating, “We’ve had a very dry January. It has hurt our snowpack by not adding to it. So we’re behind the eight ball throughout the state.” The statewide snowpack levels, as of January 1, had measured 108% of the average due to significant snowfall from November and December storms, particularly in the northern Sierra region. However, the recent dry spell in January has caused the snowpack levels to drop well below average, especially in the southern Sierra where levels are at just 47% of average.
With two winter storms on the horizon, there is a glimmer of hope for replenishing the snowpack levels in California. The first storm, an atmospheric river, began bringing rain and snow on Friday and is expected to continue over the weekend. Another storm is looming over the Pacific Ocean and is projected to make landfall next week. While these storms are anticipated to bring much-needed precipitation, there is uncertainty about the amount of snow they will deliver.
Andy Reising highlighted the unpredictability of the storms, stating, “There’s a lot of precipitation coming, but it’s warmer. Some of it will run off. We’ll get some snow, but we just don’t know how much.” Despite the potential benefits of these storms, Karla Nemeth, the director of the Department of Water Resources, emphasized the need for sustained periods of precipitation to ensure adequate water supply for the state.
Karla Nemeth warned, “For each day it’s not snowing or raining, we are not keeping up with what we need.” She pointed out that, while the upcoming storms could improve the current outlook, prolonged dry spells can quickly lead to water shortages in the state, drawing attention to previous instances in 2013 and 2021 where conditions shifted dramatically towards drier conditions.
The Sierra snowpack plays a crucial role in supplying approximately 30% of California’s water needs, underscoring the importance of maintaining healthy snowpack levels throughout the winter season. As the state braces for the impact of the upcoming winter storms, the hope is that they will bring much-needed relief to California’s water resources and alleviate concerns about water availability in the future.
