CALIFORNIA SNOW REPORT

December 30 2024
Statewide Snowpack 96.0%
Of Normal
Coldest Location 25°
Dismal Swamp
Top 5-Day Forecast 23"
Nohrsc Harkness Flat Near Chester 8Nnw
Deepest Snowpack 104.9"
Nohrsc Meadow Lk Snow Course
New Snowfall 4"
Alpine Meadows Ski Area
New Snowfall 2"
Bear Valley Mountain Resort
New Snowfall 4"
Boreal Mountain Resort
New Snowfall 1.61"
China Peak (Sierra Summit)

As California enters another week of winter weather, snow enthusiasts and water resource managers alike are keeping a close eye on the state's snowfall and snowpack levels. Recent data indicates varied conditions across California's mountainous regions. The northern part of the state, specifically around Adin Mountain and Dismal Swamp, has experienced significant snowfall over the last 24 hours, with 5 inches and 4 inches, respectively, bolstering the snowpack to 28 inches at Adin Mountain and 56 inches at Dismal Swamp. The Central Sierra Snow Lab (Css Lab) near major ski resorts in the Tahoe area forecasts a substantial 14 inches of snow over the next five days, offering a boon to recreational skiing and snowboarding while contributing to the regional water supply.

Meanwhile, Southern California's mountain areas are observing less intense snowfall. However, Leavitt Lake and Leavitt Meadows, located in the eastern Sierra near the popular tourist destination of Mammoth Lakes, have a robust snowpack of 62 inches and 9 inches, respectively, with a 5-day snow forecast predicting an additional 10 inches. This is encouraging news for the ski resorts in the area, such as Heavenly Valley, which has received 4 inches in the last 24 hours and anticipates 7 more in the coming days. However, the snowpack at Fallen Leaf, a lower elevation site near Lake Tahoe, remains at a concerning low of 3 inches, highlighting the varied impacts of winter precipitation across different elevations and geographies in the state. Overall, the data suggests that while many areas are seeing replenished snowpacks that are crucial for the state's water resources, some regions still face challenges due to lower snow levels.


About California



Snowpack conditions in California vary across different mountain ranges that supply snow for the state's water resources. The Sierra Nevada range is a crucial source, with snowpack providing nearly one-third of the state's water supply. The snowpack in the Sierra Nevada is measured by the California Department of Water Resources via manual surveys and electronic sensors known as snow telemetry (SNOTEL) sites. Other mountain ranges, such as the Cascades and the Siskiyou Mountains, also contribute to California's snowpack.

Snowpack runoff from these mountains feeds into several important rivers and watersheds, including the Sacramento River, San Joaquin River, and the Colorado River. These watersheds supply water for agriculture, drinking water, and hydroelectric power.

California's winter climate is characterized by periodic storms known as "atmospheric rivers," which bring heavy precipitation and contribute to snow accumulation. However, climate change poses a threat to the state's snowpack, as rising temperatures may lead to more rainfall than snowfall, altering the timing and quantity of water supply.

Interesting facts about snow science and history in California include the development of advanced techniques to measure snowpack, such as airborne laser scanning (LiDAR), which provides detailed information about the snowpack's depth and density. Additionally, the 2015 snowpack was historically low, reaching only 5% of the average due to severe drought conditions. Overall, accurate and up-to-date information on snowpack conditions is crucial for managing California's water resources effectively.

Snowpack Distribution

       

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