California Snowpack Poised to Hit Major Milestone
Claudia Passarell
6 hours agoThe dry spell plaguing the West Coast at the beginning of the year is ending as California sees fresh now to conclude the storm season. Recent snowfall in the Sierra Nevada pushed the state's snowpack to 96% of average on April 1— the third straight year the state has seen near- or above-average snowfall.
Why the Snowpack Matters: California Water Supply
The Sierra Nevada snowpack accounts for a third of California's water supply. As weather brings warmer conditions to the region, the snowpack melts, gradually replenishing rivers, groundwater, and reservoirs.
From 2020-2022, California endured its driest three-year period, limiting water retrieval in the area. The state has gladly welcomed the reprieve from the severe drought as wet weather continues to dominate the region.