Anticipate snow and flooding as a warm storm approaches the Sierra region in California.
Anticipate snow and flooding as a warm storm approaches the Sierra region in California.
As of Friday, the Sierra Nevada snowpack, a crucial water source for California, was only 28% of the average for this date, according to state data. This represents a modest beginning to the snow season, and the upcoming storm predicted to hit California early next week is not expected to substantially increase this figure.
As of Friday, the Sierra Nevada snowpack, a crucial water source for California, was only 28% of the average for this date, according to state data. This represents a modest beginning to the snow season, and the upcoming storm predicted to hit California early next week is not expected to substantially increase this figure.
"Most likely, this storm will bring more rain impacts and not a lot of snow, except at the higher elevations," stated William Churchill, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service's Weather Prediction Center.
"Most likely, this storm will bring more rain impacts and not a lot of snow, except at the higher elevations," stated William Churchill, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service's Weather Prediction Center.
In an average year, the Sierra Nevada snowpack contributes a third of the state's freshwater supply, serving both cities and farmers. Additionally, it plays a crucial role in sustaining the ecosystem and supporting endangered aquatic species.
In an average year, the Sierra Nevada snowpack contributes a third of the state's freshwater supply, serving both cities and farmers. Additionally, it plays a crucial role in sustaining the ecosystem and supporting endangered aquatic species.
However, this year, the snowpack is smaller compared to recent mid-December figures. Last year at this time, it stood at 201% of normal.
However, this year, the snowpack is smaller compared to recent mid-December figures. Last year at this time, it stood at 201% of normal.
In the 2022-23 season, California experienced significant storms in December, resulting in one of the largest recorded snowpacks by the end of the season. Conversely, the snowpack was at 83% of normal in mid-December the year before.
In the 2022-23 season, California experienced significant storms in December, resulting in one of the largest recorded snowpacks by the end of the season. Conversely, the snowpack was at 83% of normal in mid-December the year before.