California may achieve a milestone. Three years in a row, the snowpack of Sierra Nevada will be at or above 100% historical average. California is unlikely to have seen such a snowpack in this century. It could provide a significant boost to water supplies after enduring drier conditions.
The Snowpack in California and its Water Supply
Sierra Nevada Snowpack is an important component in California’s water management. The snowmelt in the spring replenishes reservoirs and rivers, providing California with 30% of its water requirements during the summer dry season. The health of the snowpack plays a vital role in sustaining California’s agriculture, its urban water supplies and environmental health.
In 2023 and in 2024, following several years with severe droughts that severely depleted California’s water resources, there was an above-average amount of snowfall in the Sierra Nevada mountain range. According to data collected as of the 19th February, California appears on course for its third year in a row with snow pack levels above average. KVPR states that California last had three years with a 100% snowpack average or higher in the mid-90s. The potential for a three-year run could provide a respite to the effects of climate change in California, and allow reserves to be rebuilt.
Understand California Snowpack levels
The snowpack for California’s winter of 2024 began in promising conditions. California Department of Water Resources initially stated that at the beginning of the month, snowfall in the Sierra Nevada mountain range was close to its average historical level. Unseasonably dry conditions in January brought about a temporary setback. DWR officials announced that the statewide level of snowpack was only 65 percent of its average.
The early weeks of the month brought significant amounts of snow, which helped the snowpack recover. Snowpack levels in the state are now nearing 100% of what they were at this time last year. It is important to note that the snowpack will continue to accumulate until official measurements of snowpack are made on April 1. Snowmelt, which begins to fill local reservoirs and rivers once spring arrives, will contribute to California’s supply of water.
National Weather Service in Sacramento has given credit to the snowpack recovery for recent snow storms. These storms brought heavy amounts of snow to areas at high altitudes. The storms show the critical role atmospheric rivers play in providing crucial rainfall to the Sierra Nevada mountains.
Expert Viewpoints
Colin McCarthy, Extreme-Storm Chaser, via X. The first three consecutive years in 21st Century that California had a snowpack equal or greater than 100% would occur if California witnesses a moist march and snowpacks reach 100% by the spring.
Michael Anderson is the DWR’s State Climatologist. Anderson stated in his summary of the snowpack for last year that California had experienced two relatively good years with water, but this is not a reason to relax our guard. In the face of three multi-year records-breaking droughts and higher temperatures in the past 15 years, it is necessary to have a snowpack that is well above average. Due to the wild swings in water conditions from wet to dry, it is vital to conserve while still managing any runoff. In the future, we will experience more periods of extreme drought interrupted by extremely wet conditions like those we experienced this winter.
Look Ahead at the Future of California Snowpack
Snowstorms that continue in March are essential to enhancing the snowpack. The NWS Climate Prediction Center predicts that California will experience temperatures above average in the next few weeks. During the same time period, California is expected to experience precipitation below normal. The predictions could limit the accumulation of new snowpack and highlight water management challenges in an ever-changing climate.