First Snowpack Survey Of The Season

Sacramento, CA — The California Department of Water Resources (DWS) conducted its first manual snow survey of the winter season this morning near Lake Tahoe.

California’s snowpack total is 198 percent, which is nearly twice as much water than average for this time of year.

The snowpack survey shows that the Northern Sierra is at 169 percent, the Central which includes Tuolumne and Calaveras Counties, is 180 percent, and the Southern Sierra is 261 percent.

“The 261 percent in the southern mountains is also 78% of the normal reading on April 1st,” says DWR Information Officer Ted Thomas. “This is significant because early April is when the water content and the snowpack is at its peak. We just keep our fingers crossed that we continue to get a good snow pack throughout the remaining months and continued precipitation. We’re off to a flying start.”

Snow-water content is important in determining the coming year’s water supply. The measurements help hydrologists prepare water supply forecasts as well as provide others, such as hydroelectric power companies and the recreation industry with needed data.

Written by tina.falco@mlode.com