California’s April snow survey has found that the state has an above average snowpack for the second consecutive season.
California’s above average conditions were fueled by March storms after a dry start to the year had the state in a precarious situation.
The backstory: Every year California measures the April 1 snowpack, since that date is considered to be the peak snowpack for the season.
The big picture: Electronic readings from 130 stations throughout the state show that California’s snowpack is 110 percent of the April 1 average.
- That’s a considerable improvement from the start of the year, which was at 28 percent of average on Jan. 1.
- The California Department of Water Resources said the snowpack’s snow water equivalent – which measures the amount of water contained in the snowpack and helps the department forecast water supply – is 28.6 inches.
What they’re saying: Department of Water Resources Director Karla Nemeth said it is great news that the snowpack rebounded from a dry start to the year.
- “This water year shows once again how our climate is shifting, and how we can swing from dry to wet conditions within a season,” Nemeth said. “These swings make it crucial to maintain conservation while managing the runoff. Variable climate conditions could result in less water runoff into our reservoirs. 100 percent snowpack does not mean 100 percent runoff. Capturing and storing what we can in wetter years for drier times remains a key priority.”
