Final Snowpack Dismal

The drought’s grip on the state continues.  State Department of Water Resources (DWR) officials recorded the final snowpack readings this morning and the numbers are dismal. Today’s manual and electronic readings recorded the statewide snowpack’s water content at 18% of average for the date.  That is the fourth driest snowpack on record in California.

DWR Spokesperson Doug Carlson says, “The average amount of snow/water content in the Sierra Range, that is north to south, is about 22 inches. We are at four inches today.”

Today’s electronic readings showed a 7% of average water content in the Northern Sierra snowpack, which helps fill many of the state’s major reservoirs. Those reservoirs are only half-full at this time.   The Central Sierra is at 24% and the Southern Sierra is at 18% of normal.  State officials urge all Californians to conserve water wherever possible.

“Anyone who doesn’t think conservation is important should drive up the hill and take a look,” says DWR Director Mark Cowin. “Coupled with half our normal rainfall and low reservoir storage, our practically nonexistent snowpack reinforces the message that we need to save every drop we can just to meet basic needs.”