California’s Snowpack Survey Shows Average Conditions for January
What to Know
- Statewide, the snowpack is 108 percent of average for Jan. 2.
- The manual survey at Phillips Station in the Sierra Nevada Mountains showed snow water equivalent at 91 percent of average for that location.
- Snow water equivalent is the amount of water in the snowpack once it melts and flows into the state’s water system.
- Although there are signs of optimism to start January, California has a history of extremes when it comes to snowpack.
- Thursday’s Drought Monitor update showed 31 percent of California, including Southern California, in moderate drought.
California’s first snowpack survey of the season shows conditions are just about average for the start of January. The manual survey at Phillips Station in the Sierra Nevada Mountains showed 24 inches of snow depth with a snow water equivalent of 9 inches, which is 91 percent of average for that location.
Snow Water Equivalent and Its Importance
Snow water equivalent is the amount of water in the snowpack once it melts. That water then flows into the state’s water system reservoirs and channels. Known as California’s frozen reservoir, the mountain snowpack supplies about 30 percent of California’s water needs.
Statewide Snowpack Conditions
Statewide, the snowpack is 108 percent of average for Jan. 2. The monthly Phillips Ranch survey and others are conducted manually, but the state water agency uses electronic readings from 130 stations throughout the Sierra Nevada Mountains to get an idea of supply ahead of the hot and dry summer months.
Regional Variations
There are notable differences between the southern and northern snowpack. In extreme Northern California, which received the bulk of the state’s snowfall from early season storms, snowpack was at 161 percent of normal for the start of January. In the southern region, snowpack was at 75 percent.
Director’s Comments
“While our snowpack looks good now, we have a long way until April when our water supply picture will be more complete,” said California Department of Water Resources Director Karla Nemeth. “Extreme shifts between dry and wet conditions are continuing this winter and if the past several years are any indication, anything could happen between now and April and we need to be prepared.”
Conclusion
While the snowpack survey shows average conditions for January, California’s history of extremes suggests that anything can happen between now and April. The state will continue to monitor snowpack conditions and drought levels to ensure a reliable water supply for the summer months.
FAQs
Q: What is the snowpack survey?
A: The snowpack survey is a manual measurement of the snowpack’s depth and water content at Phillips Station in the Sierra Nevada Mountains.
Q: What is snow water equivalent?
A: Snow water equivalent is the amount of water in the snowpack once it melts and flows into the state’s water system.
Q: How does California’s snowpack affect its water supply?
A: California’s snowpack supplies about 30 percent of California’s water needs.
Q: What is the current drought situation in California?
A: Thursday’s Drought Monitor update showed 31 percent of California, including Southern California, in moderate drought, with nearly 6 percent of the state in severe drought and a sliver along the Arizona border in extreme drought.
