Water officials say, California snowpack is 52 percent of average

In an update from state water officials, it has been revealed that California's snowpack is showing signs of improvement as we approach the month of February. The current snowpack stands at 52 percent of the average. Last year, the snowpack statewide was a remarkable 214 percent of average, in stark contrast to the current conditions.

The Department of Water Resources recently conducted the second snow survey of the season at Phillips Station in the Sierra Nevada mountains. According to the survey, there was a snow depth of 29 inches and a snow water equivalent of 10 inches. Phillips Station is currently at 58 percent of its average.

California snowpack is 52 percent of averagePhoto byYahoo News

According to the latest data from DWR, the snowpack's snow water equivalent in California is currently at 8.4 inches. This is 52 percent of the average for this date, which is an improvement from the previous measurement of just 28 percent on January 1.

DWR Director Karla Nemeth reported that this year's El Niño has resulted in lower than average precipitation and a smaller snowpack.

This year's storms have been unusually warm, resulting in rainfall instead of snowfall at higher elevations. Statewide precipitation is currently at 82 percent of the average for this date.

The snowpack last year reached historic levels due to a combination of above average precipitation and below average temperatures. This resulted in improved reservoir storage across the state. Lake Oroville, the largest reservoir in California, is currently at 76 percent of its average capacity.

"According to Michael Anderson, a state climatologist with DWR, the current weather conditions have been below average despite the presence of strong El Niño conditions in the Pacific Ocean. This can be attributed to a high-pressure system and various other climate factors. As a result, the majority of storm impacts have been concentrated along the coastal regions."

"The recent storms in California have been characterized by higher temperatures and increased rainfall, in contrast to last year's near-record snowpack. This serves as a reminder of how the state's weather can fluctuate dramatically," stated Anderson.

The Source: kron4