- The first manual snow survey found 24 inches of snow depth.
- Statewide snowpack sits at 108 percent of average for early January.
- Major reservoirs currently measure 121 percent of average storage.
January 3, 2025 — The California Department of Water Resources (DWR) on January 2 performed the season’s first snow survey at Phillips Station in the Sierra Nevada. Their team measured 24 inches of snow depth with 9 inches of water content, or snow water equivalent, which amounts to 91 percent of the average for that spot. Statewide, automated equipment readings show the snowpack at 108 percent of average for early January.
“While our snowpack looks good now, we have a long way until April when our water supply picture will be more complete,” said DWR Director Karla Nemeth
. “Extreme shifts between dry and wet conditions are continuing this winter and if the past several years are any indication, anything could happen between now and April and we need to be prepared.”
Recent weather has swung between heat waves and major storms. A powerful atmospheric river arrived in November, followed by several more systems in late December. These events helped replenish the snowpack following a record-breaking hot and dry fall.
“We are fortunate to have had several solid snow-producing atmospheric river systems so far this season,” said DWR’s Snow Surveys and Water Supply Forecasting Unit Manager Andy Reising. “The fall was extremely dry, so our healthy snow totals are thanks to a handful of big storm systems in November and late December. But to finish the year where we need to be, we will still need additional snow building at a regular pace throughout the winter.”
Reservoir Levels and Outlook.
DWR reports that major reservoirs across the state currently hold about 121 percent of average storage levels. This comes after two consecutive years of above-average snow, which helped offset the effects of one of the driest three-year periods in California’s recorded history. Officials say they are focused on boosting climate resilience through strategies like Forecast Informed Reservoir Operations, floodplain improvements, and groundwater recharge initiatives.
On average, around 30 percent of the state’s water needs are met by the Sierra Nevada snowpack. Often called California’s “frozen reservoir,” it naturally stores and gradually releases water during the spring and summer. DWR will continue monthly snow surveys near the start of February, March, and April. The next check at Phillips Station is planned for February 3.
For up-to-date hydrological conditions, visit https://cww.water.ca.gov.
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Image via the California Department of Water Resources: “DWR conduct the first media snow survey of the 2025 season at Phillips Station in the Sierra Nevada on Jan. 2, 2025.”
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