Officials: Epic California snowpack among biggest on record
1 year, 8 months ago

Officials: Epic California snowpack among biggest on record

Associated Press  

LOS ANGELES — This year’s epic snowpack in California’s Sierra Nevada could top records, state officials said Monday, and significant flooding is expected when it melts and flows down from the mountains. The water content of the statewide snowpack as reported by a network of automated sensors on Monday was 237% of average to date, said Sean de Guzman, water supply forecasting unit manager for the California Department of Water Resources. “But as of right now it’s looking like this year’s statewide snowpack will probably, most likely be, either the first or second biggest snowpack on record,” said de Guzman, who conducted a manual measurement on snow course at Phillips Station near Lake Tahoe. “The real challenge as we move into spring and summer though is flooding — significant flooding — particularly in the Tulare Lake Basin,” said Karla Nemeth, director of the Department of Water Resources.

Water State Sierra Guzman Snowpack De Guzman California Snow  record  guzman  state  lake  california  snow  sierra  statewide  water  epic  officials  biggest  including  snowpack  average

History of this topic

Study says California’s 2023 snowy rescue from megadrought was a freak event. Don’t get used to it
7 months, 3 weeks ago

Study says California’s 2023 snowy rescue from megadrought was a freak event. Don’t get used to it

Associated Press  

DENVER — Last year’s snow deluge in California, which quickly erased a two decade long megadrought, was essentially a once-in-a-lifetime rescue from above, a new study found. But even among these rare snow deluges, last year’s stood out as the snowiest, edging out 1922 in snow water equivalent, said study lead author Adrienne Marshall, a hydrologist at the Colorado School …

Why this year’s average California snowpack is no reason for celebration
8 months, 2 weeks ago

Why this year’s average California snowpack is no reason for celebration

LA Times  

Wearing snowshoes and aviator sunglasses, Gov. Gavin Newsom stood in a field near Lake Tahoe recently and listened as an engineer from the Department of Water Resources announced the results of California’s April snow survey, which is conducted every year when snow depths in the Sierra Nevada reach their maximum. Though rising temperatures will cause some would-be snow to fall …

Editorial: California snow survey makes it official — we’re all wet
8 months, 3 weeks ago

Editorial: California snow survey makes it official — we’re all wet

LA Times  

Sean de Guzman, right, manager of the California Department of Water Resources Snow Surveys and Water Supply Forecasting Unit, and water resources engineer Anthony Burdock, left, measure the snowpack in January at Phillips Station in the Sierra Nevada. The crucial April snow survey conducted Tuesday morning showed above-average Sierra snowpack. “Average is awesome,” California Department of Water Resources Director Karla …

Monster blizzard shatters California ‘snow drought’ with up to 10 feet of new snow
9 months, 3 weeks ago

Monster blizzard shatters California ‘snow drought’ with up to 10 feet of new snow

LA Times  

Snow piles up in a neighborhood during a storm on Sunday in Truckee, Calif. A monster blizzard that blasted California’s Sierra Nevada with gusts of up to 190 mph and dumped more than 10 feet of snow over the weekend shattered the state’s “snow drought” and significantly boosted vital snowpack levels. “We’re exactly where we want to be, realistically.” But …

The upside of California’s epic blizzard: Snowpack and water supplies should be in good shape
9 months, 3 weeks ago

The upside of California’s epic blizzard: Snowpack and water supplies should be in good shape

LA Times  

Cold gray storm clouds swirled over Phillips Station near South Lake Tahoe on Thursday as state officials trudged through fresh powder to conduct their third snow survey of the season — just hours before a monster blizzard was set to dump up to 12 feet of snow across the Sierra Nevada. Explore the section Even without the incoming storm, the …

The Sierra’s remarkable recovery: ‘Snow drought’ fears overturned in a flash
10 months ago

The Sierra’s remarkable recovery: ‘Snow drought’ fears overturned in a flash

LA Times  

Concerns that California might remain in a “ snow drought ” this winter have eased after a series of storms this month blanketed the Sierra Nevada with a near-average amount of snow for this time of year. “Overall, I’m not worried about drought for the rest of this year,” said Jay Lund, a professor emeritus and vice director of the …

Striking satellite photos show California snow replenished by recent storms
10 months, 1 week ago

Striking satellite photos show California snow replenished by recent storms

LA Times  

A skier rides a chairlift amid fresh snow at Mountain High Resort, in Wrightwood, on Feb. 2. Two “Pineapple Express” atmospheric river storms hit California within a week, delivering significant precipitation across the West Coast. The image below from the National Aeronautics and Space Administration shows the Sierra Nevada mountain range on Jan. 29 and Feb. 11. The image shows …

California is in a ‘snow drought.’ Why this week’s atmospheric rivers won’t be enough to end it
10 months, 3 weeks ago

California is in a ‘snow drought.’ Why this week’s atmospheric rivers won’t be enough to end it

LA Times  

Despite forecasts of heavy rain and possible flooding in the coming days, state water managers are warning that the “snow drought” in California’s Sierra Nevada could remain for the rest of the winter and into the spring. Swain said while it’s hard to predict how the snowpack will turn out, this year could end up with a below-average snowpack “because …

Water content of California’s snowpack is well below normal, but a new round of storms approaches
10 months, 3 weeks ago

Water content of California’s snowpack is well below normal, but a new round of storms approaches

Associated Press  

PHILLIPS STATION, Calif. — The water content of California’s mountain snowpack was just over half of the normal average on Tuesday, a modest increase from Jan. 1 but still far below the usual, state officials said. Electronic measurements statewide showed a snow water equivalent of 8.4 inches, or 52% of average to date, the California Department of Water Resources said …

California’s biggest winter storm so far is on its way. Will it put a dent in the ‘snow drought’?
11 months, 2 weeks ago

California’s biggest winter storm so far is on its way. Will it put a dent in the ‘snow drought’?

LA Times  

Amelia Dinh, 7, and her mother, Mai Dinh, put the finishing touches on a snowman along Mt. After a worryingly weak start to the winter for California’s mountains, two storms — including what’s expected to be the biggest of the season so far — are expected to dump several inches of snow on the Sierra Nevada this week, days after …

California begins 2024 with below-normal snowpack a year after one of the best starts in decades
11 months, 3 weeks ago

California begins 2024 with below-normal snowpack a year after one of the best starts in decades

Associated Press  

LOS ANGELES — California is beginning 2024 with a below-normal mountain snowpack a year after it had one of its best starts in decades, and officials said Tuesday that the weather whiplash has made the outcome of this winter uncertain. The water content of the statewide snowpack was 25% of the average to date, said Sean de Guzman, a water …

‘Miracle’ water year in California: Rain, snow put state’s reservoirs at 128% of historical average
1 year, 2 months ago

‘Miracle’ water year in California: Rain, snow put state’s reservoirs at 128% of historical average

Associated Press  

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — California ended its “miracle” water year on Saturday with enough rain and snow to fill the state’s reservoirs to 128% of their historical average, making it among the wettest years in recorded state history. California’s “water year” begins annually on Oct. 1 so it can include all of the fall and winter months when California gets the …

How much snow still covers California’s mountains this July?
1 year, 4 months ago

How much snow still covers California’s mountains this July?

LA Times  

In a typical year, California mountains are largely snow-free at this stage in the summer, with some exceptions at higher elevations. In the last couple of weeks of July, large swaths of the Sierra continued to be covered in snow, making for tricky and in some cases treacherous hiking conditions. Over the next few weeks, hikers may continue to encounter …

Striking satellite photos show the dramatic scale of California’s 2023 snowpack
1 year, 7 months ago

Striking satellite photos show the dramatic scale of California’s 2023 snowpack

LA Times  

An ice fisherman waits for a bite at Crowley Lake on April 29, opening day of the Eastern Sierra trout season. “This year’s result will go down as one of the largest snowpack years on record in California,” Sean de Guzman, manager of the Department of Water Resources’ snow surveys, said in a news release. Striking images from the Moderate …

California's epic snowpack is melting. Here's what to expect
1 year, 7 months ago

California's epic snowpack is melting. Here's what to expect

NPR  

California's epic snowpack is melting. Enlarge this image toggle caption Claire Harbage/NPR Claire Harbage/NPR "You can look at a scene like this and think the worst is behind us, when in fact it's quite the contrary," said California Gov. Enlarge this image toggle caption Claire Harbage/NPR Claire Harbage/NPR The dam that slows the water down During a series of rain-heavy …

California’s colossal snowpack has yet to melt: ‘Less and less places for that water to go’
1 year, 7 months ago

California’s colossal snowpack has yet to melt: ‘Less and less places for that water to go’

LA Times  

A man fishes through a hole cut in the ice at Crowley Lake on the opening day of trout season Saturday. “I know that’s hard to believe, but we’re getting into May and the peak is probably yet to come.” A Department of Water Resources crew conducted its fifth snow survey of the year Monday and determined that statewide snowpack …

California faces rapid snowmelt from heat wave; flood fears in Yosemite, elsewhere
1 year, 8 months ago

California faces rapid snowmelt from heat wave; flood fears in Yosemite, elsewhere

LA Times  

After weeks of uncertainty, forecasters say an incoming California heat wave will trigger rapid snowmelt on the slopes of the Sierra Nevada and cause more flooding in portions of the San Joaquin and Owens valleys this week. “A lot of rivers that are currently fairly high, but well within their banks, might exceed flood stage by later this week,” Swain …

The great California snowmelt has begun: See striking before and after satellite photos
1 year, 8 months ago

The great California snowmelt has begun: See striking before and after satellite photos

LA Times  

Cars travel U.S. 395 along the east side of the Sierra Nevada near Lone Pine, Calif., on March 22. Though the accumulated snow still measures 249% of normal as of April 18, new satellite photos show that the white blankets enveloping mountains across the state have started to recede. Satellite images seen below from NASA’s Earth Observing System Data and …

Snowpack in southern Sierra hits all-time record levels. How deep is that?
1 year, 9 months ago

Snowpack in southern Sierra hits all-time record levels. How deep is that?

LA Times  

Wind turbines in the southern Sierra Nevada foothills are surrounded by fresh snow at unusually low elevations brought by a powerful storm on Feb. 26 near Mojave. In a tweet, the UC Berkeley Central Sierra Snow Lab said this year recently surpassed 1982-83 as the second-snowiest on record since measurements began in 1946. That means that, statewide, snowpack measurements are …

California’s snowpack is approaching an all-time record, with more on the way
1 year, 9 months ago

California’s snowpack is approaching an all-time record, with more on the way

LA Times  

California Department of Water Resources engineers take measurements during the agency’s snow survey in the Sierra Nevada in January. A remarkably wet winter has resulted in some of the deepest snowpack California has ever recorded, providing considerable drought relief and a glimmer of hope for the state’s strained water supply. “I know the question of the day is going to …

Winter storms ease drought conditions in California, report shows
1 year, 9 months ago

Winter storms ease drought conditions in California, report shows

LA Times  

California’s remarkably wet winter has helped ease drought conditions considerably, with large swaths of the state — including the coast of Humboldt County, much of the snow-capped Sierra Nevada and the Santa Monica Mountains north of Malibu — no longer considered to be in drought, according to federal officials. According to their mapping, which includes data on hydrology, soil moisture …

California’s snowpack is melting faster than ever before, leaving less available water
1 year, 10 months ago

California’s snowpack is melting faster than ever before, leaving less available water

LA Times  

For decades, Californians have depended on the reliable appearance of spring and summer snowmelt to provide nearly a third of the state’s supply of water. “So we should start thinking about how we are going to deal with this, because we expect more dry periods in a warmer climate and we expect more fire in the mountains, so it’s giving …

California has huge snowpack, but dry trend raises worries
1 year, 10 months ago

California has huge snowpack, but dry trend raises worries

Associated Press  

LOS ANGELES — The mountain snowpack that supplies a significant amount of California’s water got an incredible boost from recent powerful storms and is outpacing the state’s wettest season on record, state water officials said Wednesday. “Our snowpack is off to an incredible start, and it’s exactly what California needs to really help break from our ongoing drought,” said Sean …

Epic California snowpack is now the deepest it’s been in decades
1 year, 10 months ago

Epic California snowpack is now the deepest it’s been in decades

LA Times  

California Department of Water Resources engineers take snow measurements in the Sierra Nevada Mountains in early January, during a time of heavy storms. “Our snowpack is off to an incredible start, and it’s exactly what California needs to really help break from our ongoing drought,” DWR snow survey manager Sean de Guzman said. The state’s snowpack is currently outpacing the …

The West’s snow boom could ease the water crisis. But experts worry more hot, dry weather is coming
1 year, 11 months ago

The West’s snow boom could ease the water crisis. But experts worry more hot, dry weather is coming

CNN  

CNN — A parade of storms has given the West some relief from its historic drought, replenishing the soil, filling reservoirs and increasing much-needed snowpack. The snow’s been “very exciting,” Schwartz said, and he is “cautiously optimistic” that it will go far to alleviate reservoir concerns this year, at least in California. #CAwx #CAwater pic.twitter.com/AJjBLJWBLL — UC Berkeley Central Sierra …

More rain, snow in California from ninth in series of storms
1 year, 11 months ago

More rain, snow in California from ninth in series of storms

Associated Press  

LOS ANGELES — The ninth atmospheric river in a three-week series of major winter storms was churning through California on Monday, leaving mountain driving dangerous and the flooding risk high near swollen rivers even as the sun came out in some areas. The University of California Berkeley Central Sierra Snow Lab tweeted Monday morning that it had recorded 49.6 inches …

Last in series of deadly California storms dumps 50 inches of snow in just three days
1 year, 11 months ago

Last in series of deadly California storms dumps 50 inches of snow in just three days

The Independent  

Sign up to the Independent Climate email for the latest advice on saving the planet Get our free Climate email Get our free Climate email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The last in a three-week series of major winter storms was churning through California on …

Storm-battered California gets more wind, rain and snow
1 year, 11 months ago

Storm-battered California gets more wind, rain and snow

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Please enter a valid email address Please enter a valid email address SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Please try again later {{ …

California suddenly has so much snow. But even this extraordinary bounty isn’t enough
1 year, 11 months ago

California suddenly has so much snow. But even this extraordinary bounty isn’t enough

LA Times  

The California Department of Water Resource’s forecasting chief, Sean de Guzman, left, and engineer Andy Reising measure Sierra Nevada snowpack near Lake Tahoe on Jan. 3. “We’ve had quite a deficit because of the drought, so we’re seeing steep inclines right now in storage, and hope that continues as we see these storms and that we can get back to …

California snowpack off to great start amid severe drought
1 year, 11 months ago

California snowpack off to great start amid severe drought

Associated Press  

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The snowpack covering California’s mountains is off to one of its best starts in 40 years, officials announced Tuesday, raising hopes that the drought-stricken state could soon see relief in the spring when the snow melts and begins to refill parched reservoirs. Roughly a third of California’s water each year comes from melted snow in the Sierra …

California snowpack is far above average amid January storms, but a lot more is needed
1 year, 11 months ago

California snowpack is far above average amid January storms, but a lot more is needed

LA Times  

A series of atmospheric river storms has brought California heavy rains and above-average snowpack across the Sierra Nevada, but experts say the state still needs many more storms to begin to emerge from drought. “The significant Sierra snowpack is good news, but unfortunately these same storms are bringing flooding to parts of California,” said Karla Nemeth, director of the state …

Recent storms give drought-weary California cause for hope, but will they continue?
2 years ago

Recent storms give drought-weary California cause for hope, but will they continue?

LA Times  

The Palisades Tahoe Resort, in the city of Olympic Valley, received more than 35 inches of snow over the recent weekend. “We’re going to wait and see how things play out moving forward, but I definitely would say there are some things to be optimistic about.” Simeral said soil moisture levels had also improved from the storms, especially around the …

California snowpack far below normal after dry winter months
2 years, 9 months ago

California snowpack far below normal after dry winter months

Associated Press  

LOS ANGELES — Drought-stricken California’s winter mountain snowpack is far below average after two historically dry months that reversed gains from storms late last year, officials said Tuesday as they urged the nation’s most populous state to conserve water. “That’s not enough to fill up our reservoirs, and without any significant storms on the horizon, it’s safe to say that …

California drought continues after state has its driest January and February on record
2 years, 9 months ago

California drought continues after state has its driest January and February on record

LA Times  

A fisherman on the shore of Folsom Lake during a drought in Folsom, California, last month. “Without any significant storms on the horizon, it’s safe to say we’ll end this year dry and extend this drought a third year.” California’s water year runs from Oct. 1 to Sept. 30. California California snowpack dwindles after a dry January After one of …

California snowpack dwindles after a dry January
2 years, 10 months ago

California snowpack dwindles after a dry January

LA Times  

Snow melts into a creek flowing into the South Fork American River, near the area where the California Department of Water Resources held the second snow survey of the season. “January basically wiped out whatever head start we had as we head toward the end of winter,” said Sean de Guzman, manager of snow surveys for the Department of Water …

Water content of California snowpack far above normal levels
2 years, 11 months ago

Water content of California snowpack far above normal levels

Associated Press  

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — California’s mountain snow holds 160% of the water it normally does this time of year, state water officials announced Thursday, marking a strong start to the drought-stricken state’s traditionally wet winter season. The state is “definitely not out of the woods quite yet,” said Sean de Guzman, manager of the snow surveys and water supply forecasting for …

Editorial: Welcome the bout of winter storms, just don’t call them drought busters
2 years, 11 months ago

Editorial: Welcome the bout of winter storms, just don’t call them drought busters

LA Times  

A California Highway Patrol vehicle drives through snow at Donner Summit during a recent snowstorm, which closed Interstate 80 over the Sierra Nevada because of whiteout conditions. A series of storms have made for an exceptionally rainy and snowy start to California’s winter season, pushing snowpack and precipitation well above 150% of normal for this time of year and bringing …

California snowpack below normal with wet season ending
3 years, 8 months ago

California snowpack below normal with wet season ending

Associated Press  

LOS ANGELES — The water content of California’s Sierra Nevada snowpack was measured at 59% of the April 1 average, when it historically is at its peak, the state’s chief of snow surveys and water supply forecasting said Thursday. Overall, the state has received only about 50% of average precipitation in the current water year and its major reservoirs are …

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