California enters spring with vital snowpack above average for a second year

[BumRushDaShow]

Source: AP

Updated 8:54 PM EDT, April 2, 2024


LOS ANGELES (AP) — California has entered spring with an above-average mountain snowpack and major reservoirs in good shape for a second consecutive year, staving off immediate water supply concerns but not allaying drought worries in a warming world.

The California Department of Water Resources measured the water content of the Sierra Nevada snowpack Tuesday at 110% of the April 1 average, a benchmark date because that is when it has historically been at its peak and helps inform runoff forecasts.

Gov. Gavin Newsom had to wear snowshoes to follow a measuring crew across a meadow south of Lake Tahoe at Phillips Station, where in April 2015 predecessor Jerry Brown stood in a parched, brown field and ordered cities to cut water use by 25% due to drought.

“We’re here nine years later reconciling the extremes, reconciling the extreme weather whiplash, and I think today punctuates the point,” Newsom said in a livestream. While reaching just above average was good news, the current snowpack pales in comparison to April 2023, when the Sierra snow water content stood at 237% of average after a barrage of atmospheric river storms ended three years of drought.

Read more: https://apnews.com/article/california-snowpack-survey-water-supply-03dd8030df108368a1e2aacbf6e3a0e1

[Johnny2X2X]

1. Best case scenario

Before the Winter of 2022-23, scientists were under the impression that the California drought was so severe, 1 or 2 wet Winters wouldn't end it. Last Winter was the perfect Winter to end the drought. Heavy and frequent rain and increased snow in the mountains. Almost all of California came out of the drought last year and the reservoirs are all basically full, some have even had to release water. Ground water is also rteplenished. Further East, Lake Mead and Lake Powell are trending towards full pool early this Summer.

And because this is California we're dealing with, they're still going forward with many improvements to how they handle water and irrigation.

Global Warming is just so unpredictable. This was an epic disaster in the making that just went away unexpectedly.

[wolfie001]

2. I'm glad Gavin's at the helm

Common sense leader is what that state needed.

[Johnny2X2X]

3. Yeah

They're doing a substantial overhaul of their water infrastructure and mangement strategy. If it were the GOP, they'd just cancel that very necessary spending because it rained the last couple years. What Newsome will leave them with is a system that will be much better able to withstand duture droughts and is starting with a surplus of water presently.

Investment in the future to avoid future problems is idea exclusive to Democrats in this country.

[obamanut2012]

4. My joke is, two droughts ended the week I moved to CA last year

California's and the Kings'.

[Jacson6]

5. Yes, Everything is wet in CA for the second year in a row!

[LittleGirl]

6. As a new resident of CA

I welcome this 'climate change' happening right now. I have terrible dust allergies and I'm good right now. I can't wait for the dry summer after spending 9 years in Europe with grey overcast skies and the most rain I've seen in my lifetime. Historic rain. One November, we had 8 hours of sunshine FOR THE MONTH. That's it. It was noted by the weatherman. It was record setting that year. I believe it was 2022.