The Department of Water Resources is going to conduct its second manual snow survey of the season on Tuesday.
UPDATED - Wednesday February 2, 2022
The second manual snow survey of the winter season took place Tuesday morning at the Phillips Station snow course off of Highway 50.
The Department of Water Resources says more winter storms are needed after a dry month of January. Officials measured a snow depth of 48.5 inches with a snow water equivalent of 19 inches. The numbers for that specific location stand at 109% of the February 1st average, while the overall statewide Sierra snow pack has dropped to 92% of average. There is no rain in the forecast through the first two weeks of February.
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The Department of Water Resources says more winter storms are needed after a dry month of January. Officials measured a snow depth of 48.5 inches with a snow water equivalent of 19 inches. The numbers for that specific location stand at 109% of the February 1st average, while the overall statewide Sierra snow pack has dropped to 92% of average. There is no rain in the forecast through the first two weeks of February.
The snowfall is crucial for the state's water supply, which is needed more than ever due to California's current drought. With most of California's precipitation coming during the months of November and March, the snowfalls recorded during that time will directly impact water reservoirs across the state, determining how the year will look in terms of water shortage. While the state received a large dose of precipitation from atmospheric rivers in late December, forecasts are showing dry weather approaching.