First Snow Survey of the 2020-21 season reported by DWR

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — The primary snow survey of the 12 months was carried out Wednesday at Phillips Station off Freeway 50 by the Division of Water Sources they usually report snowpack at 93% of regular for this time within the season at that location. Additionally they do snow measurements at 260 different websites within the state. The snowpack is far lower than common for different sections of the Sierra.

A lot of October, November, and December has been dry with a lot much less rain and snow in comparison with common. The US Drought monitor lists 33% of California in “Excessive” drought. It is a stage four out of their 5 stage system.

The snow survey is carried out month-to-month throughout the principle months of the wet season till April to gauge how a lot water can be coming into the state system for allocation within the hotter months for reservoirs and different water makes use of.  Automated snow measurements in different components of the Sierra are additionally used and the snowpack is at 55% of regular for the state as of the top of December.

Early studies can differ by giant quantities because the storms are typically very erratic to start with of the season however by April a lot of the predominant storm exercise has ended and in most years vital modifications within the snowpack finish. 

In previous years an extra snow survey in Might has been carried out to regulate the incoming water projections.

The survey has been carried out on the identical location since 1941 and is essential from an historic perspective. 

Officers will take a number of probes with a snow stake then weight the pattern. The load is essential to calculate the density of the pattern and extra correct quantity of water. This primary snow survey signifies 10.5” of liquid water has melted.

The snow survey could look totally different for the subsequent measurement on February 2nd as a sequence of storms is about to enhance the snowpack in early January.

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