NorCal snowpack at 50% of average even after multiple storms

"The California Department of Water Resources found that snow levels are currently at 71% of average as of Dec. 30, with the snow water equivalent of 6.5 inches, according to the first snowpack survey of the season."

"On Dec. 19, the northern Sierra Nevada snowpack measured at just 4% of average, the central Sierra snowpack measured at 12% and the southern Sierra snowpack measured at 34%. Now, regional tracking shows far more snow has accumulated in the state. Currently. the northern Sierra region has 50% of its average snowpack. The central Sierra region is estimated to have about 70% of average, and the southern Sierra has been able to accumulate the most powder with 91% of average."

""Thankfully, the recent storms that reached the state were cold enough to provide necessary benefits for the snowpack and our water supply," Angelique Fabbiani-Leon, a DWR hydrometeorologist, said in a statement. "While California is in a better position now, it is still early in the season and our state's water supply for this year will ultimately depend on a continued cadence of storms throughout winter and early spring.""

"More rainy weather is set to arrive in the state starting Wednesday, bringing the potential for over 20 inches of snow in parts of the Sierra, according to the National Weather Service."

Snow levels in California measured 71% of average as of Dec. 30 with a snow water equivalent of 6.5 inches from the first snowpack survey of the season. Snowpack was much lower on Dec. 19, with northern, central, and southern Sierra Nevada regions at 4%, 12%, and 34% of average respectively. Regional tracking now shows northern Sierra at 50% of average, central about 70%, and southern about 91%. The snowpack supplies roughly 30% of California's water needs. Recent storms were cold enough to boost accumulation, but water supply depends on continued storms through winter and early spring. More precipitation is forecast.

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