Low snowpack, higher temperatures cause concern for Bay Area scientists, farmers

"Although the storms we saw in mid-February were some of the coldest and best snow-producing storms we have seen since 2023, they were not enough to get us back to average conditions. The snowpack is in better shape than it was one month ago, but we only have a month left of our snow-accumulation season and time is rapidly running out to catch up."

"Snowmelt from the Sierra Nevada accounts for approximately 30% of the state's annual water supply. Agriculture draws about 40% of the state's total water use, according to the DWR."

"With it will come tremendous pastures for our dairy and livestock. Early rains are always a great sign. The fact that January was so dry is troublesome, but there's still time in the season left. Ideally we get a few weeks of dry weather with sun to put the animals out, and then a few weeks later it rains."

California's water resources face challenges from an unusually warm winter despite February storms improving reservoir levels to 70-80% capacity. Snowpack measurements show concerning deficits, with statewide snowpack at 66% of average and specific measurements at 47% of March average. Sierra Nevada snowmelt provides approximately 30% of the state's annual water supply, making March precipitation crucial for recovery. Agricultural operations, which consume 40% of state water use, benefited from February rainfall but require continued precipitation. Scientists emphasize that the snow-accumulation season is nearly complete, leaving limited time to reach normal conditions.

Read at The Mercury News