California enters spring with vital snowpack above average for a second year
11 months, 3 weeks ago

California enters spring with vital snowpack above average for a second year

Associated Press  

LOS ANGELES — California has entered spring with an above-average mountain snowpack and major reservoirs in good shape for a second consecutive year, staving off immediate water supply concerns but not allaying drought worries in a warming world. The California Department of Water Resources measured the water content of the Sierra Nevada snowpack Tuesday at 110% of the April 1 average, a benchmark date because that is when it has historically been at its peak and helps inform runoff forecasts. While reaching just above average was good news, the current snowpack pales in comparison to April 2023, when the Sierra snow water content stood at 237% of average after a barrage of atmospheric river storms ended three years of drought. “We’ve had some pretty big swings in the last couple of years, but average may be becoming less and less common.” The Sierra snowpack normally supplies about 30% of California’s water and is sometimes described as a frozen reservoir.

Water California Average Sierra Snowpack  vital  sierra  average  enters  snowpack  storms  water  california  second  warming  spring  winter  runoff  reservoirs

History of this topic

Southern California is heating up. How long will the high temperatures last?
2 days, 9 hours ago

Southern California is heating up. How long will the high temperatures last?

LA Times  

Temperatures in Southern California will continue to climb Monday, with many areas from Burbank to Santa Clarita likely to experience the hottest day of the year so far. The heat is forecast to reach 87 degrees in downtown Los Angeles and 90 degrees in Burbank, with even warmer temperatures predicted in the San Fernando, San Gabriel and Santa Clarita valleys. …

Spring kicks off with a ‘significant warmup’ in Southern California
5 days, 9 hours ago

Spring kicks off with a ‘significant warmup’ in Southern California

LA Times  

Shoji and Sakura Watanabe, right, newlyweds from Nagoya, Japan, spend their honeymoon cuddling on the grass under a tree on the last day of winter that was a warm, sunny day with a view of The Queen Mary at ShoreLine Aquatic Park in Long Beach on Wednesday. Winter is officially behind us and, apparently, so are the cool temperatures as …

Atmospheric river set to roll in, with threat of rain, snow, floods and mud, forecasters say
2 weeks, 2 days ago

Atmospheric river set to roll in, with threat of rain, snow, floods and mud, forecasters say

LA Times  

A pedestrian stays dry Wednesday in Santa Ana. A storm is first expected to drench San Diego County on Monday night before an atmospheric river storm soaks the L.A. region midweek, posing a threat to burn scar areas. An atmospheric river is expected to arrive early Wednesday, bringing heavy precipitation along the coast of California through Thursday, with significant impacts …

A second winter storm brings cold, rain and snow to millions
1 month, 2 weeks ago

A second winter storm brings cold, rain and snow to millions

NPR  

A second winter storm brings cold, rain and snow to millions toggle caption Nam Y. Huh/AP The most significant winter storm this year for California is making its way to fire-ravaged communities of Southern California, and threatens to bring potentially deadly, "raging torrents of rockslides and mudslides," according to National Weather Service forecasts. "The heavy rain may cause flooding in …

California snowpack is below average, but winter storms could change that
1 month, 3 weeks ago

California snowpack is below average, but winter storms could change that

LA Times  

After an extremely dry January, California’s snowpack in the Sierra Nevada now measures just 65% of the average for this time of year, but state water officials said two winter storms are expected to bring more snow and rain that will add to the state’s water supplies. “We’ve had a very dry January,” said Andy Reising, manager of snow surveys …

With negligible rain in 8 months, Southern California swings toward drought
2 months, 3 weeks ago

With negligible rain in 8 months, Southern California swings toward drought

LA Times  

California is entering the fourth month of what is typically the rainy season, but in the Southland, the landscape is beginning to show signs of drought. “Southern California remains dry,” said Michael Anderson, state climatologist for the Department of Water Resources. At this point last year, precipitation remained below average until a “miracle March” storm came along and pushed up …

California begins 2025 with solid start to winter snowpack, but more storms are needed
2 months, 3 weeks ago

California begins 2025 with solid start to winter snowpack, but more storms are needed

Associated Press  

PHILLIPS STATION, Calif. — California is beginning 2025 with a solid start to the winter snowpack, officials said Thursday, but they cautioned that more storms are needed to keep the state’s water supplies on track. Officials at Phillips Station in the Sierra Nevada, a mountain range that covers the eastern part of the state, recorded a snow depth of 24 …

L.A.’s water supply looks good right now — but it might not last
2 months, 3 weeks ago

L.A.’s water supply looks good right now — but it might not last

LA Times  

Every winter, scientists across California ascend high into the Eastern Sierra via skis, snowshoes, motorized snow cats and helicopters. On Thursday, hydrologists made their first measurements of the season at Phillips Station, which the state has measured every winter for over 80 years to forecast L.A.’s water supply for the coming year. “We’ll need a progression of monthly storms to …

California braces for heavy wildfire activity this fall: ‘They’re only going to get worse’
9 months, 1 week ago

California braces for heavy wildfire activity this fall: ‘They’re only going to get worse’

LA Times  

Experts are warning Californians to brace for a ‘very active’ wildfire season this fall as two back-to-back wet winters and forecasts for a warmer-than-normal summer are likely to prime the state’s landscape for fire. “The bad news is that I think that the back half of this season is going to be much more active — with a lot more …

California shifting to warmer, drier weather, but wildfire season still expected to be delayed
10 months, 2 weeks ago

California shifting to warmer, drier weather, but wildfire season still expected to be delayed

LA Times  

After another rainy winter that dragged into springtime, California is finally moving toward a warmer and drier pattern, with temperatures expected to hit typical highs — or above — for this time of year. “After a pretty good amount of later-season storms … we’re currently on track for a later-onset fire season than some years,” Schoenfeld said. “It’s best to …

A wet year boosted California’s groundwater, but not enough to address long-term declines
10 months, 2 weeks ago

A wet year boosted California’s groundwater, but not enough to address long-term declines

LA Times  

After years of pervasive declines, groundwater levels rose significantly in much of California last year, boosted by historic wet weather and the state’s expanding efforts to replenish depleted aquifers. The state’s aquifers gained an estimated 8.7 million acre-feet of groundwater — nearly double the total storage capacity of Shasta Lake — during the 2023 water year that ended Sept. 30, …

‘Rivers in the sky’ have drenched California, yet even more extreme rains are possible
11 months ago

‘Rivers in the sky’ have drenched California, yet even more extreme rains are possible

LA Times  

For years, scientists have said that atmospheric rivers can either make or break the water supplies of thirsty California cities and farms. The research provides the most historical context to date for the state’s rainfall variability, and found that the region “consistently registered extreme precipitation over a 3,200-year period.” Biola University students take turns using a rope from a footbridge …

L.A.’s water supplies are in good shape. But is the city ready for the next drought?
11 months, 1 week ago

L.A.’s water supplies are in good shape. But is the city ready for the next drought?

LA Times  

California’s second wet winter in a row has left L.A.’s water supplies in good shape, and the city has used its reprieve from drought to make progress on water-saving infrastructure projects. After the state’s final snow survey of the season, officials with the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power announced that Eastern Sierra snowpack is measuring 103% of normal, …

Summer heat won’t last: Another cold, wet storm set to hit SoCal this weekend
11 months, 2 weeks ago

Summer heat won’t last: Another cold, wet storm set to hit SoCal this weekend

LA Times  

Pedestrians walk past Walt Disney Concert Hall on Saturday. “I am pretty sure it’s been every weekend for the last several weekends too.” These cold, wet Northern Pacific storms have seemingly targeted Angelenos’ spring weekends, hitting week after week on Friday or Saturday — often chilling outdoor weekend plans. But after this system — which is expected to bring cool …

Why this year’s average California snowpack is no reason for celebration
11 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 …

Coldest storm of the year brings rain, thunder and snow to Southern California
11 months, 3 weeks ago

Coldest storm of the year brings rain, thunder and snow to Southern California

LA Times  

A runner jogs along the sand as waves roil the ocean along an empty beach in Santa Monica. There was a chance for snow at elevations as low as 2,000 feet in the Los Angeles, San Bernardino, Riverside and San Diego county mountains — the lowest freezing point seen this year, said Rich Thompson, a National Weather Service meteorologist in …

‘Unseasonably cold’: April storm bringing winter temperatures, low snow levels to California
11 months, 3 weeks ago

‘Unseasonably cold’: April storm bringing winter temperatures, low snow levels to California

LA Times  

It might feel like spring Wednesday, with highs across Los Angeles reaching into the high 70s, but Thursday is going to be a “shock to the system,” weather experts say. Temperatures on Thursday and Friday are expected to drop 15 to 20 degrees from Wednesday’s highs as a cold storm blows across California, bringing low-elevation snow, showers and the potential …

Editorial: California snow survey makes it official — we’re all wet
11 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 …

Amid above-average snowpack, Newsom urges focus on state water resilience and adaptation
11 months, 3 weeks ago

Amid above-average snowpack, Newsom urges focus on state water resilience and adaptation

LA Times  

With California snowpack and reservoirs at above-average levels following two wet winters, Gov. “The water system in California was designed for a world that no longer exists.” The governor presented a new water plan that lays out priorities for changing how the state captures, stores and moves water, including efforts to replenish groundwater, recycle wastewater and restore the natural ecosystems …

California storms deliver above-average snowpack, replenish reservoirs
11 months, 3 weeks ago

California storms deliver above-average snowpack, replenish reservoirs

LA Times  

California’s mountains are covered with snow, reservoirs are mostly filled and hills across the state are sprouting green grass and wildflowers after the latest round of soaking storms. “Because every year could be the first year of a 10-year drought.” Even with the state’s reservoirs at healthy levels, California continues to face complex water management problems, such as struggling fish …

Editorial: L.A. may not get another wet winter for a while. We should prepare for drier times
1 year ago

Editorial: L.A. may not get another wet winter for a while. We should prepare for drier times

LA Times  

A wet February weekend, as shown in this Feb. 4 photo of the Grammy Awards ceremony at L.A. Live in downtown Los Angeles, gave way to a wet March as the 2024 Southern California rainy season drew to a close. The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power captured and stored more than 13.5 billion gallons of stormwater in February …

California doubles State Water Project allocation thanks to February storms
1 year ago

California doubles State Water Project allocation thanks to February storms

LA Times  

On the heels of a soaking start to 2024, state water managers on Friday announced a considerable increase in their forecasted water allocation for the year. “Mid- to late February storms have since improved hydrological conditions particularly for Northern California, allowing for a more robust water supply allocation,” the agency said in a statement. Nemeth said similarly that “DWR continues …

Satellite photos show California turning green and snowy after winter storms
1 year ago

Satellite photos show California turning green and snowy after winter storms

LA Times  

Isabella Recio, 4, walks on the trail in a field of California poppies outside the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve State Natural Reserve on April 7, 2023. In 2023, the state found itself replenished by a record number of storms fed by atmospheric rivers, which brought most places out of drought and transformed a withered landscape into a verdant one. …

Recent storms pushed California’s yearly rainfall, snowpack even higher — and more could be coming
1 year ago

Recent storms pushed California’s yearly rainfall, snowpack even higher — and more could be coming

LA Times  

People cross the street amid wind and rain as they visit the Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach on Wednesday. Downtown Los Angeles received 0.72 inches from Wednesday’s storm, bringing its total rainfall to 18.99 inches since Oct. 1 — the beginning of the water year. “We’re about 7.5 inches above average for this time of year,” said Kristan …

California blizzard leaves residents tunneling out with more snow on the way: Live
1 year ago

California blizzard leaves residents tunneling out with more snow on the way: Live

The Independent  

✕ Close 100mph Winds And 12ft Of Snow Expected In California Storm 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 Snow continued to …

Another wet weekend as new storm hits Southern California. How long will it rain?
1 year ago

Another wet weekend as new storm hits Southern California. How long will it rain?

LA Times  

Float fisherman Johnathan O. Skinner casts his line near one of the submerged docks at Launch Pointe on Lake Elsinore. Another winter storm hit Southern California this weekend, but it is expected to be milder than previous rain events. The cold storm was forecast to bring “steady light to locally moderate rain and mountain snow to the area,” the weather …

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

Another storm is coming to Southern California early next week. How big will it be?
1 year, 1 month ago

Another storm is coming to Southern California early next week. How big will it be?

LA Times  

Sam Hale of Garden Grove looks for driftwood he can use in landscaping projects Wednesday in a debris field left by the rain-swollen Santa Ana River in Huntington Beach. Southern Californians can brace for another round of wet weather, with a storm expected to hit the region early next week to cap off a month of historically wet weather. “This …

California’s rainy season is here. What does it mean for water supply?
1 year, 1 month ago

California’s rainy season is here. What does it mean for water supply?

Associated Press  

LOS ANGELES — After a dry start to winter, California’s rainy season is finally well under way. Share Share Copy Link copied Email Facebook X Reddit LinkedIn Pinterest Flipboard Print Email Facebook X Reddit LinkedIn Pinterest Flipboard Print WHAT ABOUT SNOW? A man shovels snow off his car in the Cleveland National Forest, on Feb. 7, 2024, in eastern San …

The Sierra’s remarkable recovery: ‘Snow drought’ fears overturned in a flash
1 year, 1 month 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
1 year, 1 month 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 …

After a brief reprieve more wet weather is on the way for Southern California
1 year, 1 month ago

After a brief reprieve more wet weather is on the way for Southern California

LA Times  

Gilberto Bueno rides a horse through a Duarte neighborhood as heavy rain pelted the region last week. Southern California is enjoying a brief reprieve from the wet weather, but it’s expected to return in a few days. Crisp morning temperatures will make way for sunny skies across Southern California this week, but don’t stash those umbrellas and rain boots away …

California Hit With Heavy Rain, Floods From Back-To-Back 'Pineapple Express' Storms
1 year, 1 month ago

California Hit With Heavy Rain, Floods From Back-To-Back 'Pineapple Express' Storms

Huff Post  

LOADING ERROR LOADING LOS ANGELES — Heavy rain flooded California roadways and much-needed snow piled up in the mountains as the first of back-to-back atmospheric rivers pummeled the state Thursday. An atmospheric river, which is a long band of moisture that forms over the Pacific, was fueling the storms dousing the Los Angeles and San Diego areas, said National Weather …

First of back-to-back atmospheric rivers pushes into California. Officials urge storm preparations
1 year, 1 month ago

First of back-to-back atmospheric rivers pushes into California. Officials urge storm preparations

Associated Press  

LOS ANGELES — The first of two back-to-back atmospheric rivers slowly pushed into California on Wednesday, triggering statewide storm preparations and calls for people to get ready for potential flooding, heavy snow and damaging winds. The first of two back-to-back atmospheric rivers slowly pushed into California on Wednesday, triggering statewide storm preparations and calls for people to get ready for …

First of back-to-back atmospheric rivers pushes into California. Officials urge storm preparations
1 year, 1 month ago

First of back-to-back atmospheric rivers pushes into California. Officials urge storm preparations

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 Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The first of two back-to-back …

California is in a ‘snow drought.’ Why this week’s atmospheric rivers won’t be enough to end it
1 year, 1 month 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 …

California isn’t prepared for turbocharged storms like the ones we’re getting this week
1 year, 1 month ago

California isn’t prepared for turbocharged storms like the ones we’re getting this week

LA Times  

As a series of major winter storms sweep over the West Coast this week, anxious Californians are looking back at the flash floods and the “thousand-year” deluge that shocked San Diego a week ago, and Oxnard a few weeks earlier, wondering what’s in store. Starting Tuesday night, and then again on Sunday, two “atmospheric river” systems will bring high winds …

Water content of California’s snowpack is well below normal, but a new round of storms approaches
1 year, 1 month 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 …

A major wet weather pattern is barreling toward California. But it’s not the dreaded ‘megaflood’
1 year, 1 month ago

A major wet weather pattern is barreling toward California. But it’s not the dreaded ‘megaflood’

LA Times  

Travelers arrive at LAX in the rain last week. “There’s definitely a chance for heavy rain as well as thunderstorms, and that means we do have a risk of flooding on Thursday,” said Brandt Maxwell, a National Weather Service meteorologist in San Diego. Moderate rainfall is forecast across Central California and Los Angeles County, but no significant flooding is expected …

Spring snowpack has shrunk significantly over the last 40 years due to warming
1 year, 2 months ago

Spring snowpack has shrunk significantly over the last 40 years due to warming

LA Times  

On the heels of the planet’s hottest year on record, new research out of Dartmouth has found that seasonal snowpack across the Northern Hemisphere has shrunk significantly over the last 40 years due to global warming — potentially putting millions of people at risk of worsening water instability. “Once you get beyond that threshold, you start to lose an increasing …

‘Snow drought’ grips California and western United States, despite recent storms
1 year, 2 months ago

‘Snow drought’ grips California and western United States, despite recent storms

LA Times  

Although recent storms have thrashed the California coastline and boosted reservoir levels, the downpours have so far failed to deposit significant snowpack in the Sierra Nevada, which experts say is in the grips of a severe, early season “snow drought.” December’s powerful storms delivered super-sized waves and record-setting rainfall in California, but most of it fell in coastal areas, and …

California begins 2024 with below-normal snowpack a year after one of the best starts in decades
1 year, 2 months 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 …

New year, new storms: Snow, rain, cold temperatures dipping into California this week
1 year, 2 months ago

New year, new storms: Snow, rain, cold temperatures dipping into California this week

LA Times  

A surfer is silhouetted by cloudy skies at dusk amid cool weather in Huntington Beach on Sunday. The first week of the new year is bringing new storms to California, with snow, rain, more big surf, gusty winds and possible thunderstorms. “The first part of the storm will move through pretty quickly,” said meteorologist Ryan Kittle with the National Weather …

New year to bring the coldest storm of the season so far, officials say
1 year, 2 months ago

New year to bring the coldest storm of the season so far, officials say

LA Times  

The first week of 2024 is expected to be a cold and wet one in Los Angeles, according to the National Weather Service. Highs on New Year’s Day are expected to be in the upper 50s to mid-60s, officials said. Highs are expected to be in the 50s midweek, which is cooler than normal for this time of year, weather …

There’s no drought anywhere in California: How long that’s expected to last, and why
1 year, 4 months ago

There’s no drought anywhere in California: How long that’s expected to last, and why

LA Times  

Agribusiness consultant Mark Grewel stands on a farm road that was flooded near Corcoran after heavy rains in the San Joaquin Valley last March. “For the most part, California had been drought-free” for weeks, but “a little smidgen” remained, said Brian Fuchs, a climatologist at the National Drought Mitigation Center at the University of Nebraska. Part of the reason for …

Officials urge California residents to brace for flooding as El Niño looms
1 year, 5 months ago

Officials urge California residents to brace for flooding as El Niño looms

LA Times  

With California facing the prospect of a second consecutive winter of heavy precipitation, state officials are urging residents to prepare for possible widespread flooding and evacuations in the coming months. Among the efforts is the Lower Elkhorn Basin Levee Setback Project, a $280-million endeavor that, in conjunction with a weir widening project from the Army Corps of Engineers, will send …

First measurable snow of the season heading for California. See how much will fall
1 year, 5 months ago

First measurable snow of the season heading for California. See how much will fall

LA Times  

An early season snowstorm is headed for portions of Northern California and the Sierra Nevada this week, with forecasts of gusty winds, widespread freezes and potential travel challenges, weather officials said. Details: https://t.co/PINwkjv1Fl pic.twitter.com/ZYN8pb0I1U — NWS Reno October 24, 2023 Forecasters warned that even light snow accumulation could produce slick roads across Sierra passes late Wednesday into early Thursday morning. …

California just experienced a ‘miracle’ water year. But winter could bring new challenges
1 year, 5 months ago

California just experienced a ‘miracle’ water year. But winter could bring new challenges

LA Times  

The typically parched, brown hills above Los Angeles are a vibrant shade of green — a rarity for early October. There’s a lot of work to continue to be done — particularly when it comes to flooding and protecting our communities.” This year’s soggy conditions were due primarily to 31 atmospheric river storms that unleashed torrents on the Golden State …

‘Miracle’ water year in California: Rain, snow put state’s reservoirs at 128% of historical average
1 year, 5 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 …

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