Share
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
The gold standard for figuring out how much water will be delivered to California communities, businesses, and farms is the annual April 1 snowpack measurement.
Finally, after three years of drought, things are looking up.
Thanks to a long parade of storms, the statewide snowpack has already surpassed the April 1 average. In fact, according to the state Department of Water Resources, the snowpack is 124% of the April 1 average and 248% of “normal” as of Wednesday.
Why does the April 1 measurement matter?
After that, as temperatures rise, the snowpack melts and feeds California’s extensive reservoir system. Water from reservoirs is released into river channels, canals, and pipes and carried to where it needs to go. In addition, the water in riverbeds and creeks nourishes habitat, wildlife, and fish. And, some of the snowmelt percolates into the aquifer for future use.
So, while California’s just-concluded parade of nine atmospheric rivers has been deadly (at least 20 people killed) and costly (damage in the billions), the storms have also possibly created the biggest snowpack on the planet.
California’s Sierra Nevada range 80 days ago versus today.
These mountains likely currently hold the biggest snowpack on the planet. pic.twitter.com/b5Lo0gnuod
— Colin McCarthy (@US_Stormwatch) January 18, 2023
More Snow Ahead
The forecast from the National Weather Service in Hanford calls for a 30% chance of rain in the Fresno area Wednesday evening and Thursday morning.
But the biggest precipitation impact will be felt in the Sierra, where up to 8 inches of snow is expected at some locations.
Projected precipitation for the next storm to hit Central California. While most of the district will see light rain or snow, an area from Yosemite to Huntington Lake and Mono Hot Springs may see significant new snowfall. pic.twitter.com/CmcBC2Q8Yn
— NWS Hanford (@NWSHanford) January 17, 2023
RELATED TOPICS:
Trump Criticizes Judge and His Daughter After Gag Order in Hush-Money Case
10 hours ago
CA Insurance Market ‘in Chaos,’ Says Former Insurance Commissioner. Can Lara Fix It?
11 hours ago
Stock Market Today: S&P 500 Sets a Record After Wall Streets Breaks Out of Its Lull
11 hours ago
House Speaker Mike Johnson Headed to Fresno on April 4
11 hours ago
Bredefeld, Smittcamp Debate the Salary of Valley Children’s CEO
12 hours ago
CA’s Liberal Government Has a Long History of Caving to Special Interests
12 hours ago
Police Had About 90 Seconds to Stop Traffic Before Baltimore Bridge Fell. 6 Workers Are Feared Dead
13 hours ago
NBC Has Cut Ties With Former RNC Head Ronna McDaniel After Employee Objections, Some on the Air
14 hours ago
Here Are Some Numbers That Will Help You Get Your March Madness Fix for the Sweet 16
14 hours ago
Ukrainian Navy Says a Third of Russian Warships in the Black Sea Have Been Destroyed or Disabled