California Snow Report

March 19 2024
Snowpack Snowfall Totals Forecasts

California SNOW REPORT

March 19 2024


Snowpack levels across the state are currently 99% of normal. The deepest snowpack in California was last observed at Leavitt Lake with a snowpack depth of 144”, about 104% of normal when compared to it's 139" average depth for this time of year. Blackcap Basin Goes, perched at an elevation of 10,292 ft., is currently experiencing some of the coldest temps in California with air temps last recorded at 36 degrees.

More snowfall is expected this week, and areas like Nohrsc Red Rock Mountain are forecasted to receive up to 10" of snowfall in the next 5 days.

SNOWPACK DISTRIBUTION

QUICK STATS

RECENT SNOWFALL TOTALS

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.




California Snow Outlook


AVALANCHE RISK

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