Sierra Nevada Snowfall Impacts

Recent storms have delivered 8 to 10 feet of snow to the Sierra Nevada mountain range. This snowfall addresses a previous record-breaking snow drought that resulted in significantly reduced snow cover across the western United States.

Water Resource Implications

Prior to these storms, western U.S. snow cover was approximately one-third of the typical mid-February levels. Some regions experienced historically low snowpack. The Sierra snowpack typically contributes about 30% of California's water supply. In early February, California's statewide snowpack was 56% to 59% of the average for the date.

Water managers monitor April 1 as the usual peak for snowpack levels. The recent storms are contributing to a recovery towards normal levels before the spring melt season.

The substantial snowfall is a critical development, contributing to a recovery towards normal water supply levels after a significant snow drought.

Wildfire Risk Reduction

A substantial snowpack functions as a slow-release water source, maintaining moisture in the ground and vegetation throughout the summer months. Early disappearance of snow leads to faster landscape drying, potentially increasing the risk and intensity of early wildfire seasons. The current snow accumulation is expected to mitigate this risk for an extended period.

Beyond water resources, this deep snowpack is crucial for reducing wildfire risk by keeping landscapes moist well into the summer.