FRESNO COUNTY, Calif. (KFSN) — Snow-packed mountains throughout Fresno and Tulare counties can be a sight of reassurance for Central Valley farmers.<\/p>\n
Their hope is that it means enough water for crops during the hot summer months.<\/p>\n
Fresno County Farm Bureau CEO Ryan Jacobsen said that while that is the hope, the recent announcement of water supply allocations by the Bureau of Reclamation tells a different story.<\/p>\n
“Here on the eastern side, they are looking at 100% class one deliveries, which is fantastic news,” Jacobsen said. “On the terrible side, is the announcement that contractors on the west side of the Valley are facing currently a 15% allocation.”<\/p>\n
The west side of the Valley includes Fresno, Kings and Merced counties.<\/p>\n
Jacobsen says the allocations are based on several factors, including current reservoir storage, precipitation and snowpack totals.<\/p>\n
On Friday morning, the Department of Water Resources (DWR) conducted the third snow survey of the season, recording 28 inches of snow depth and a snow water equivalent of 11 inches statewide. The snowpack is 66% of average for this date.<\/p>\n
The DWR will conduct a 4th survey on April 1.<\/p>\n
“It would still be great to have a series of one or two, maybe three other storms, and to build on that, but as of right now, we are sitting in a fair spot,” Jacobsen said.<\/p>\n
Jacobsen said the Kings River Water Association will also conduct a complex survey that includes data from the DWR, helping provide even more accurate information to support farmers.<\/p>\n
“By having really accurate snow projections, we know when to start running water to our local farms and communities, and we know how to get ready for that snowpack as it melts,” Jacobsen said.<\/p>\n
To view the full snow survey, click here<\/a>.<\/p>\n Elisa Navarro: For news updates, follow Elisa Navarro on Facebook<\/a>, X<\/a> and Instagram<\/a>.<\/p>\n Copyright \u00a9 2026 KFSN-TV. All Rights Reserved.<\/p>\n