Snow survey shows below-average conditions in California

Despite more precipitation in January, the snowpack in California remains well below what's expected.

Transcript

00:00 While these storms could bring problems and are bringing problems to California, the rain and snow are needed.

00:05 And the Department of Water Resources conducted the second snow survey of the season yesterday.

00:09 Results showed a modest increase in snowpack since January 1st, but overall,

00:14 conditions are still far below normal despite additional precipitation this month.

00:18 So many recent storms have been warmer, bringing rain rather than snow at the higher elevations.

00:24 It's very possible we could see above average rainfall combined with below average snowpack,

00:30 which is also referred to as a snow drought.

00:35 This time last year, the snowpack was at 214% of average,

00:39 and we were actually standing on over 7 feet of snow here at the Phillips Station Snow Course.

00:44 So we're going to be tracking that story. We have plenty more coming your way on that.

00:49 Now last year, California had historic snowpack.

00:52 It was a tremendous year and an improved reservoir storage statewide,

00:56 which is still reaping the benefits from last winter.

01:00 The Sierra snowpack on average, though, supplies about 30% of California's water needs,

01:04 and those reservoirs often rise through the spring due to snowmelt.