A series of December storms brought a long-awaited boost Californiasnowpack, scientists said Tuesday as they closely examined the situation in the state. water resources for the coming year.
A snow survey recorded a snow depth of 24 inches (61 cm), said Angelica Fabbiani-Leon, state hydrometeorologist at California water resources snow exploration department and water supply forecasting department. The study was conducted at Phillips Station in the Sierra Nevada, a mountain range spanning the eastern part of the state.
The department is also collecting electronic measurements at other sites and reports that statewide, snowpack levels are currently 71% of average.
It's the first measurement of the season and provides an important picture of the state of California's water supply. Snowpack acts as a critical savings bank for the coming year—essentially, it is a frozen reservoir that provides about a third of the water used annually in California as it melts each spring, flows into rivers and streams, and replenishes groundwater.
A period of warm and dry weather was recently interrupted by a series of severe storms – fueled by powerful atmospheric river – it brought record rainfall in places like Los Angeles and large amounts of snow in mountainous areas.
Officials said Monday's measurements were an encouraging sign, but cautioned it was too early to tell how it might affect water supplies next year.
“Dry conditions and warmer temperatures in early December delayed the snow season, but renewed storm activity, especially last week, has helped create a solid foundation for this year's snowpack,” Fabbiani-Leon said. “While California is now in a better position, it is still early in the season, and our state’s water supply this year will ultimately depend on the continued frequency of storms throughout the winter and early spring.”
Snowpack water content at Phillips Station is 50% of average for this time of year and 21% of average on April 1, when Sierra snowpack typically peaks, Fabbiani-Leon said.
Those levels are about half of what the state was seeing at this time last year, said David Rizzardo, manager of the department's hydrology division.
“The trend we're seeing right now is more rain than snow,” Rizzardo told reporters. “We would like to see snow accumulation increase by April 1 so we get closer to average levels.”
The state built a complex system of canals and dams to collect and store water in reservoirs for hot, dry months when it doesn't rain or snow. Those reservoirs are at 123% of average for this time of year, Rizzardo said.
The measurements are closely watched in California, home to 39 million people and where most of the country's fresh fruits and vegetables are grown. Snowpack conditions help determine whether California will face water supply problems for farms and cities during the hot summer months.
In recent years, the state has experienced fluctuations between extremes of wet and dry weather. About a year ago, officials recorded snowpack water content at Phillips Station at 91% of average. The state's snowpack was near average in 2025, just before the April 1 peak, and the state's reservoirs exceeded their historic capacity after two wet winters following a years-long drought that led to sharp cuts in water use.
