California may face a third consecutive year of above-average snowfall in the Sierra Nevada, which is crucial for the state’s water supply, providing about 30% of its needs. After enduring years of drought, the snowy conditions in 2023 and 2024 have improved snowpack levels. Following an unusually dry January, snowpack measurements showed only 65% of the average, but improvements in February have begun to close that gap. With five and a half weeks left to measure snow before the April 1 cutoff, continued snowfall could bring levels closer to normal.
The state has not seen three straight years of above-average snowpack since 1998-2000, making this potential achievement significant for water management. Officials are monitoring upcoming storms in March, which could influence existing conditions. However, there are concerns over warmer temperatures and possible dry spells that could jeopardize these gains. The National Weather Service has noted recent heavy snowfall is contributing positively, but experts stress the need for consistent precipitation to avoid fluctuations in water availability.
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