A powerful blizzard swept through California’s Sierra Nevada mountains over the weekend, bringing much-needed relief to the state’s water woes.
The storm, packing winds up to 190 mph and dumping over 10 feet of snow in some areas, significantly boosted snowpack levels and shattered California’s “snow drought.”
Snowpack Soars
On Monday, the statewide snowpack had ballooned to 104% of normal for the date, a dramatic turnaround from just days earlier, when it sat at a meager 80%.
This surge puts California within striking distance of reaching its average snowpack for April 1, typically the peak accumulation point.
Scientists are optimistic about the impact. “We’re exactly where we want to be, realistically,” said Andrew Schwartz of UC Berkeley’s Central Sierra Snow Lab. “This storm was a game-changer.”
While the blizzard provided a significant boost, state water officials caution that more snowfall is needed to ensure an average water year. The southern Sierra lags behind the average for this time of year, and March will be crucial for determining the season’s outcome.
“We may still need some additional storms to boost our snowpack above average by April 1,” said state climatologist Michael Anderson.
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Anticipated Increase in Supply Allocation for Southern California
Despite the need for more snow, water managers are breathing a sigh of relief. The increased snowpack is expected to translate into a higher allocation of water supplies from Northern California for Southern California.
The weekend blizzard, originating in the Gulf of Alaska, unleashed its fury on the Sierra Nevada. Ski resorts saw impressive snow totals, with Sugar Bowl recording a staggering 10.5 feet. High winds also caused disruptions, forcing some resorts to close temporarily.
The storm caused significant travel disruptions, shuttering major highways for much of the weekend. However, for outdoor enthusiasts and water managers, the inconvenience paled in comparison to the benefits.
California’s dry winter had cast a shadow of uncertainty over water supplies. The monster blizzard, though disruptive, has brought renewed hope and much-needed snowpack, setting the stage for a brighter water outlook for the state.
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