Summary
California's Sierra Nevada saw an increase in its snowpack's water content after a warm storm brought rain that froze into ice, raising the state’s snow water equivalent (SWE) from 70% to 75%. Despite this improvement, the overall snowpack is below average for this time of year. Experts are cautiously hopeful about future precipitation due to developing El Niño conditions.
Key Facts
- A warm storm increased the snow water equivalent (SWE) in California's Sierra Nevada.
- The statewide median SWE rose from 70% on Monday to 75% by Wednesday.
- The snowpack is still at 61% of its average peak for the season.
- The Southern Sierra is at 95% of normal, Central Sierra at 74%, and Northern Sierra at 54%.
- Recent storms have led to increased reservoir levels in California.
- Statewide precipitation has been about 18 inches since October, or 116% of normal.
- El Niño conditions could bring more storms in the coming months.
- El Niño development is predicted for late spring to early summer.
