California's snowpack remains below average despite recent storms, survey shows

"We got the single best winter storm we've had all winter that dumped a copious amount of snow across the entire Sierra Nevada and including the northern Sierra and Trinity areas, but then we've decided to mix in a really warm atmospheric river storm earlier this week or last week, which took its toll on the snow."

"I think we're cautiously optimistic. I think our overall assessment at this stage is that we will probably be in decent shape for this year and avoid drought levels, but this next month is a really important one. March is kind of our last big push for getting storms in here, atmospheric rivers, before the dry weather really kicks in."

The third snow survey of the season at Phillips Station in the Sierra Nevada recorded 28 inches of snow depth with 11 inches of snow water equivalent. The Department of Water Resources reports the statewide snowpack is 66% of average for this time of year. While a significant winter storm deposited substantial snow across the Sierra Nevada, a subsequent warm atmospheric river storm diminished the snowpack. The Sierra snowpack supplies approximately 30% of California's water needs. Water utility officials express cautious optimism about avoiding drought conditions this year, though March represents a critical final opportunity for major storms before dry weather dominates. Snow surveys determine springtime water flow projections from Sierra snowmelt.

Read at ABC7 San Francisco