State Surveys Say: Scant Sierra Snowpack
Snow totals are way down this year, but reservoirs remain stable with last year's leftover meltwater.
Heading out the door? Read this article on the new Outside+ app available now on iOS devices for members! Download the app.
A pair of state snow surveys of the Mokelumne and Stanislaus river basins confirmed what California skiers already know: The Sierra snowpack is way down this year (to 30 percent of normal). One station at 8,700 feet registered 41.5 inches, compared to last year’s 184.5 inches. But state water reservoirs remain in good shape, thanks to carryover meltwater from last year’s heavy snowpack.
