The most recent electronic
sensor readings show Northern
Sierra snow water equivalents at 71% of normal for this date, the Central
Sierra at 66%, and, Southern Sierra at 55%. Statewide, the percentage of normal
is at 64%. Reservoir storage remains above normal and groundwater
storage for most areas is good. Information on reservoir levels can be found at
http://watersupplyconditions.water.ca.gov/current_conditions.pdf.
The next survey is tentatively scheduled for March 27. Snow-water content is
important in determining the coming year's water supply. The measurements help hydrologists
prepare water supply forecasts as well as provide others, such as hydroelectric
power companies and the recreation industry, with much needed data. Monitoring is coordinated by the
Department of Water Resources as part of the multi-agency California
Cooperative Snow Surveys Program. Surveyors from more than 50 agencies and
utilities visit hundreds of snow measurement courses in California’s mountains
each month to gauge the amount of water in the snow pack.
Tuesday, 06 March 2007 22:35
Snow Pack Situation Improving Say Department of Water Resources
The recent blasts of winter
are doing some good, at least for our snow pack and water situations. This week’s snow survey
conducted by the State Department of Water Resources shows that recent storms
have brought our snow pack conditions closer to normal with snow depths now 78
percent to 85 percent of normal. According to DWR Hydrology Branch Chief
Arthur Hinojosa the results are encouraging: “Above average precipitation in February has certainly
improved our water supply outlook. Although not enough to offset a very dry
January, the latest survey shows statewide average snow pack water content is
nearly 65% of average to date compared with only 40% four weeks ago.”
DWR Snow Surveys Chief Frank Gehrke says the current readings “put us about where we were at this time
last year.”
The most recent electronic
sensor readings show Northern
Sierra snow water equivalents at 71% of normal for this date, the Central
Sierra at 66%, and, Southern Sierra at 55%. Statewide, the percentage of normal
is at 64%. Reservoir storage remains above normal and groundwater
storage for most areas is good. Information on reservoir levels can be found at
http://watersupplyconditions.water.ca.gov/current_conditions.pdf.
The next survey is tentatively scheduled for March 27. Snow-water content is
important in determining the coming year's water supply. The measurements help hydrologists
prepare water supply forecasts as well as provide others, such as hydroelectric
power companies and the recreation industry, with much needed data. Monitoring is coordinated by the
Department of Water Resources as part of the multi-agency California
Cooperative Snow Surveys Program. Surveyors from more than 50 agencies and
utilities visit hundreds of snow measurement courses in California’s mountains
each month to gauge the amount of water in the snow pack.
