California’s snowpack in the Sierra Nevada reached 96% of the average on Tuesday, marking the third consecutive year of near-average or above-average snowfall. This marks the first time in 25 years that the state has experienced such a streak, providing ample water supplies in the mountains.
The year began with a dry spell, but the end of the storm season brought fresh snow, boosting the snowpack significantly. According to the Los Angeles Times, Andy Reising, manager of snow surveys and water supply forecasting for the California Department of Water Resources, noted that recent storms in February and March were crucial in achieving the near-average snowpack.
This year’s snowpack follows an extremely wet 2023 and a wet 2024, which helped alleviate the severe drought experienced from 2020 to 2022. The last time California had three consecutive years of average or above-average snow was from 1998 to 2000.
CalMatters reported that the snowpack supplies about a third of the state’s water, making it a vital resource for water management. The state’s major reservoirs are currently at 117% of average levels, ensuring a stable water supply moving forward.
Despite the positive outlook, experts caution that droughts and floods can occur unexpectedly. The snowpack varies across the state, with Northern California experiencing wetter conditions compared to the drier Southern California.
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