Snowpack conditions in the Sierra Nevada mountains within the Kings River watershed are low, the Kings River Water Association reported Thursday.
While the conditions are in rough shape, they are slightly better than at this time last year.
The big picture: The snowpack water content in the area is around 8.8 inches, which is 52% of average for Feb. 1.
- It also is at 32% of the April 1 average, which is when California’s snowpack is typically at its peak.
- The snow depth averaged 32.5 inches compared to 53 inches in a typical winter, although last year’s number was around 30.5 inches.
Go deeper: The deepest snow measured at 22 places was at Charlotte Ridge near Mount Gould. The snow depth was 44.5 inches with a water content of 15 inches, which is 79% of average for the date.
- The least snow depth was measured at Ridge Trail in Sequoia-Kings Canyon National Park at seven inches.
Why it matters: Snowpack in the Kings River watershed is the primary source of water for the Kings River, which is used by water users in Fresno, Tulare and Kings Counties.
- The California Department of Water Resources will use the snow survey to provide the Kings River water supply forecast.
What they’re saying: Kings River Watermaster Steve Haugen said the region had an early start to build the snowpack in November and then experienced a dry spell that lasted through most of January.
- “Without additional storms, the Kings Basin snowpack could yield very little river flow,” Haugen said. “We are hopeful for the current forecast of storms this week.”
