California’s Snowpack Shrinks Below Historical Average After Dry January
The California Department of Water Resources (DWR) conducted its second snow survey of the season at Phillips Station, revealing concerning results. The manual survey recorded 22.5 inches of snow depth and a snow water equivalent of 8 inches—just 46 percent of average for the location. Statewide, the snowpack sits at 65 percent of normal for this time of year.
January’s lack of precipitation reversed early-season gains. On January 1, the statewide snowpack was at 108 percent of average thanks to November and December storms, particularly in the Northern Sierra. However, a historically dry January pushed the Northern Sierra back to near average, the Central Sierra to 58 percent of normal, and the Southern Sierra below 50 percent of normal.
Join DWR staff today at 11 a.m. as they conduct the second snow survey of the season at Phillips Station. The snow survey is a critical part of the state’s overall water management strategy. The data collected during today’s snow measurements are vital for informing DWR’s water… pic.twitter.com/eeTwTvXv6N
— California Department of Water Resources (@CA_DWR) January 31, 2025
“California missed out on critical snow-building storms in January,” said DWR Director Karla Nemeth. “While storms are expected in February, history has shown how quickly dry conditions can return.”
Despite lower-than-average snow levels, California’s reservoirs remain in good shape. Lake Oroville is currently at 126 percent of its average for this time of year, while San Luis Reservoir sits at 101 percent.
Snowpack plays a critical role in California’s water supply, serving as the state’s “frozen reservoir” and providing about 30 percent of annual water needs. DWR will continue monitoring conditions, with the next snow survey scheduled for February 28.
