- The statewide snowpack is 85% of the seasonal average.
- February storms helped, but dry spells persist.
- The southern Sierra snowpack is lagging behind.
- Reservoirs are at 118% of their usual levels.
March 3, 2025 — California’s snowpack plays a crucial role in the state’s water supply, acting as a “frozen reservoir” that gradually releases water as it melts in the spring. The California Department of Water Resources (DWR) conducted its latest snow survey last Friday
, finding that while recent storms provided a boost, the overall snowpack remains below average.
The survey, taken at Phillips Station, measured 34 inches of snow depth with a snow water equivalent of 13.5 inches—just 58% of the average for that location. Statewide, the snowpack is at 85% of its usual level for this time of year.
Storms Help, But Not Enough.
This winter has been a rollercoaster of weather patterns, with periods of drought interrupted by heavy storms. In mid-February, multiple atmospheric rivers temporarily increased the statewide snowpack to 97% of the average. However, dry conditions returned, bringing it back down to 85%. With every snowless day, those numbers continue to fall.
DWR’s data from 130 monitoring stations in the Sierra Nevada shows that the snowpack’s water content is at 74% of the April 1 average—the date when the snowpack typically reaches its peak. While March may bring additional storms, there is no certainty that they will be enough to close the gap.
Disparities Across the State.
Not all regions are faring the same. The northern and central Sierra have received more snowfall, while the southern Sierra lags behind at just 70% of average. DWR experts warn that this regional imbalance could impact water availability for different parts of the state.
Water managers will need to consider these variations when planning for spring and summer water supply. The data collected from snowpack surveys helps determine how much water will flow into reservoirs, influencing the allocation of resources for agriculture, cities, and ecosystems.
Reservoirs in Good Shape—for Now.
Despite the uneven snowpack, California’s reservoirs are holding strong, currently at 118% of their historical average. Efforts to capture runoff from February’s storms have helped bolster water storage levels.
DWR will conduct its next snow survey on April 2 to assess whether March storms bring enough snowfall to improve conditions.
For the latest hydrological updates, visit California’s water data website.
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IMAGE via California Department of Water Resources’ news release: “(Left to right) California Department of Water Resources staff Angelique Fabbiani-Leon, State Hydrometeorologist, Jordan Thoennes, Water Resources Engineer, and Andy Reising, Snow Surveys and Water Supply Forecasting Unit Manager, conduct the third media snow survey of the 2025 season at Phillips Station in the Sierra Nevada. The snow survey is held approximately 90 miles east of Sacramento off Highway 50 in El Dorado County. Photo taken February 28, 2025.”
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