First Snow Survey of 2025 Reveals California Snowpack Sits at 108% of Historical Average
The California Department of Water Resources (DWR) conducted its first snow survey of the season at Phillips Station, revealing 24 inches of snow depth and a snow water equivalent (SWE) of 9 inches—91% of the average for this location. Statewide, the snowpack sits at 108% of average for this date, according to electronic readings from 130 Sierra Nevada stations. The SWE is a critical metric for forecasting the state’s water supply.
This season has already seen its share of extremes. Following a record-breaking hot and dry summer, a powerful atmospheric river in November and subsequent late December storms provided significant snowpack boosts. However, DWR officials stress that the state must prepare for unpredictable shifts.
Check out our recap of the first snow survey of the season, conducted last Thursday at Phillips Station. Results showed a boost in the snowpack from November and December storms, but California needs to see consistent storms going forward to keep the snowpack strong. In both 2013… pic.twitter.com/1WBJeJ0C3K
— CA – DWR (@CA_DWR) January 4, 2025
“While our snowpack looks good now, we have a long way until April,” said DWR Director Karla Nemeth. California has previously experienced similar patterns, where promising early-season snowpacks in January 2013 and 2022 were wiped out by dry winters.
Reservoirs statewide are currently at 121% of average, thanks to consecutive above-average snow seasons. Still, California’s water supply remains precarious following its driest three-year period on record. To bolster climate resilience, DWR is enhancing groundwater recharge efforts, floodplain management, and Forecast Informed Reservoir Operations.
The Sierra snowpack, often called California’s “frozen reservoir,” supplies about 30% of the state’s water needs. DWR’s next snow survey at Phillips Station is scheduled for February 3, offering further insights into how the season is shaping up. For now, the state remains cautiously optimistic about meeting its water supply goals.
