Electronic readings show that the Sierra Nevada snowpack’s water content is lower than any year in records going back to 1950 – just 8 percent of the historical average in late March.
The snowpack has been in decline since the first manual survey was taken on December 30, when electronic readings found the statewide snow water equivalent at 50 percent of that date’s historical average. The statewide readings on the second and third survey dates were 25 percent of the January 29 average and 19 percent of the March 3 average.
The media survey at Phillips Station is one of more than 230 snow courses that will be measured during a 10-day window around April 1 to determine the statewide snowpack, which normally contributes about 30 percent of California’s water when it melts. Below-normal precipitation, combined with unusually warm weather, has produced meager snowfall during the traditional wet season. The snowpack normally is at its peak on April 1, which historically is the seasonal total.
