Melting Snowpack Filling Area Streams

Warm, springtime weather in the higher elevations of the Mother Lode and Sierra Nevada region is quickly melting the snowpack and filling streams and creeks with rushing cold, clear water.

The water seen running through the rural areas of the Mother Lode then ends up in the numerous reservoirs in the region, providing water storage, and power generations, as well as recreation opportunities.

Dry creek beds have regained life, if only briefly, and numerous waterfalls can be spotted, including ones in nearby Yosemite National Park.

While it is pleasant to enjoy warm weather and sunny skies, it´s been some time since the Sonora area received any measurable rainfall, and that could be troubling. According to the California Department of Water Resources, we had 1.17 inches of precipitation March 27, but, the last measurable rainfall was a month before that with a powerful storm that brought just over two-inches February 26 and 27.

Statewide, the snowpack dropped from 123 percent of average on March 1 to 82 percent on April 1.

A hot, dry March wore off quite a bit of the Sierra Nevada´s snowpack and put an end to skiing at many Sierra ski resorts, including Dodge Ridge. Surveys show the snowpack has plummeted to 70 percent of average or less now. But the folks who worry about the snowpack — farmers and power plants — still think there´ll be enough water to go around during the dry summer months. But still, officials urge area residents to help by conserving water.

For helpful tips on how to save water and what to do during drought months, clickh2ouse.org