The second snow survey conducted by the Department of Water Resources showed below-average results.
The survey at Phillips Station revealed a snow depth of 23 inches and a snow water equivalent of 8 inches, which is 46% of the average for the location.
Statewide, the snowpack stands at 59% of average for this date.
The snowpack was at 89% just three weeks ago.
A dry January, which is historically the wettest month of the year in California, has now eroded the gains made at the start of the year.
Andy Reising, manager of DWR’s Snow Surveys and Water Supply Forecasting Unit, stated, “Recent California winters have seen this pattern of long, dry and warm stretches interrupted by intense storms. We are now two-thirds through what should be the best snow-producing months of the year.”
There is still time for February and March to bring rain, but the longer the season goes without rain, the harder it is to catch up.
Despite a recent dry spell, major reservoirs are at 126% of average due to previous precipitation and efforts to capture and store water.
The Sierra snowpack, often called California’s “frozen reservoir,” supplies about 30% of the state’s water needs.
The next snow survey is scheduled for March 2.