The Bureau of Reclamation on Thursday announced initial water allocations for Central Valley Project contractors.

Urban water agencies that get Central Valley Project supplies from the Sacramento and American rivers are set to receive 100% of their contracted water. Irrigation water service contractors — or agricultural water users — on the Sacramento River are also getting their full contracted amounts.

Jim Peifer, executive director of the Sacramento Regional Water Authority, said he views the allocation as a positive sign of water supply conditions this year, with no shortages expected for the region. Peifer, however, warned that conditions can change from year to year.

“Allocations are such that we don’t think we’re going to see any shortages this year, but we’re always worried about next year, and we want to make sure that there is enough water left in the reservoir at the end of the year, in case next year is really dry,” Peifer said.

According to the federal agency, the allocations are determined by a number of factors, including how much water is expected to be available, along with reservoir levels, precipitation and Sierra Nevada snowpack.

In its Thursday news release, the agency said “while early-season storms brought some precipitation to the Sierra, a dry and warm January significantly reduced snow accumulation,” noting above average reservoir storage following recent wet years.

“While current snowpack conditions remain below average, we are encouraged by the recent storm activity and the additional precipitation it has brought to the state,” said Acting Regional Director Adam Nickels in a release.

“As we receive and analyze updated data from these storms, particularly snowpack and runoff forecasts, we are hopeful conditions may improve. We will continue to closely monitor hydrologic developments and update allocations accordingly to reflect the most accurate and up-to-date information available.”

Meanwhile, the California Department of Water Resources conducted the third snow survey of the 2026 season Friday, finding snowpack at just 47% of average for this date at Phillips Station near Lake Tahoe. Statewide, the snowpack is at 66% of average for this date, down from 85% at this point a year ago.