California drought risk rises as mountain snow falls short

The Department of Water Resources reports statewide snowpack at about 18% of normal, with the northern Sierra at roughly 6%, as the state enters its dry season. Warmer winter storms brought more rain than high-elevation snow and much of the late-winter snowpack melted through March.

California is entering its dry season with far less mountain snow than is typical. The Department of Water Resources reports the statewide snowpack is about 18% of a normal winter. The northern Sierra recorded about 6% of normal, the central Sierra about 21% and the southern Sierra about 32%. Warmer storms brought more rain than snow and much of the snowpack melted in late winter. Measured snowpack: - Statewide snowpack is reported at about 18% of normal, according to the Department of Water Resources. - Northern Sierra has about 6% of normal snow; central Sierra about 21%; southern Sierra about 32%. - Most winter storms arrived warmer off the Pacific, producing more rain than high-elevation snow. - Snowpack peaked in late February and then largely melted through March amid record warm temperatures. - Rainwater filled some lakes and reservoirs but did not replace the frozen snow reserve that usually holds water into spring and summer. Summary: Lower-than-normal snowpack raises the prospects of drought and increased wildfire risk later in the year and can add stress to crops and wildlife as seasonal water supplies shrink. The state traditionally measures snowpack on April 1 to estimate available water. Undetermined at this time.