Tag Archive for: DWR

(L to R): 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 California snowpack survey of the 2025 season at Phillips Station in the Sierra Nevada. Photo: Xavier Mascareñas, California Department of Water Resources

California Snowpack Helped By Storms, But Averages Continue To Drop

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The California Department of Water Resources (DWR) conducted its third snow survey of the 2025 season on February 28 at Phillips Station in the Sierra Nevada. The survey recorded 34 inches of snow depth and a snow water equivalent of 13.5 inches, which is 58 percent of the average for this location. Statewide, the snowpack is 85 percent of the average for this date.

The snow water equivalent measures the amount of water in the snowpack and is a key component of DWR’s water supply forecast.

Weather Extremes Mark 2025 Season

Snow blankets the meadow where the California Department of Water Resources conducts the third media snow survey of the 2025 season at Phillips Station in the Sierra Nevada, approximately 90 miles east of Sacramento off Highway 50 in El Dorado County. Photo: Xavier Mascareñas, California Department of Water Resources California snowpack

Snow blankets the meadow where the California Department of Water Resources conducts the third media snow survey of the 2025 season at Phillips Station in the Sierra Nevada, approximately 90 miles east of Sacramento off Highway 50 in El Dorado County. Photo: Xavier Mascareñas, California Department of Water Resources

Winter 2025 has been subjected to weather extremes. Powerful storms have interrupted dry and warm conditions, temporarily boosting the snowpack to near normal.

In February, multiple rounds of atmospheric rivers earlier in the month raised the statewide snowpack to 97 percent of average. But dry weather conditions returned, and the snowpack has fallen to 85 percent. Averages will continue to drop without additional snow.

DWR’s electronic readings from 130 stations placed throughout the Sierra Nevada indicate that the statewide snowpack’s snow water sits at 74 percent of the critical April 1 average. This is when the California snowpack usually peaks.

Snow blankets the meadow where the California Department of Water Resources conducts 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: Xavier Mascareñas, California Department of Water Resources California snowpack

Snow blankets the meadow where the California Department of Water Resources conducts 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: Xavier Mascareñas, California Department of Water Resources

While forecasts show storm activity may pick up in March, it may not be enough for the snowpack to catch up to average by April 1. The southern Sierra Nevada has significantly fallen behind this season, with the region’s snowpack just 70 percent of average.

Regional Differences In Watershed Averages

Puddles from melting snow at Phillips Station in the Sierra Nevada.  Photo: Xavier Mascareñas, California Department of Water Resources

Puddles from melting snow at Phillips Station in the Sierra Nevada.  Photo: Xavier Mascareñas, California Department of Water Resources

“In addition to the large swings in snowpack conditions we’ve seen this year, a big regional disparity remains between the Northern, Central, and Southern Sierra Nevada,” said Andy Reising, manager of DWR’s Snow Surveys and Water Supply Forecasting Unit.

“With so many of this season’s storms missing the southern half of the state, our statewide snowpack average can mask just how below average some regions are,” explained Reising. “Water managers will need to consider not just the extreme swings through the winter and spring months, but also the big differences from watershed to watershed.”

Thanks to efforts to capture as much water as possible, reservoirs across California are currently 118 percent of average.

Snowpack Monitoring Vital Planning Tool

California Department of Water Resources staff Angelique Fabbiani-Leon, left, State Hydrometeorologist, 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.  Photo: Nick Shockey, California Department of Water Resources / California Department of Water Resources California snowpack

California Department of Water Resources staff Angelique Fabbiani-Leon, left, State Hydrometeorologist, 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.  Photo: Nick Shockey, California Department of Water Resources

Measuring the California snowpack provides vital information to guide how California’s water supplies are managed. The data and measurements collected help inform water supply and snowmelt runoff forecasts, which help water managers, including those in the San Diego region, anticipate how much water will eventually reach state reservoirs in the spring and summer.

This information is also key in calculating State Water Project allocation monthly updates.

On average, the California snowpack supplies about 30 percent of the state’s water needs. Its natural ability to store water is why the snowpack is often referred to as California’s “frozen reservoir.”

Data from DWR snow surveys and forecasts helps determine how DWR and other agencies manage the state’s water resources.

DWR conducts snow surveys at Phillips Station each winter near the first of each month, January through April, and, if necessary, May. The following survey is tentatively scheduled for April 2.

For California’s current hydrological conditions, visit https://cww.water.ca.gov.

 

Early Onset of Fall Rains in Northstate Offers Positive Outlook for Water Year, Says State Climatologist

/in , /by /KRCR by Tyler Van Dyke

Rainy weather moved through the Northstate a little earlier than a normal season on Monday.

According to the Department of Water Resources (DWR), the possible rain we will see on Monday is starting the first fall precipitation about a week earlier than average.

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Water Wasted | The History of the Delta Water Tunnel Project and Why People Are Against It

/in , , /by /ABC 10by Brenden Mincheff

A battle remains underway in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Valley Delta.

For decades, Delta residents and the state have been unable to agree on a plan to transport water from the rainy but rural northern part of the state down to the heavily populated, dry southern half.

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DWR Opens Apprenticeship Program Exams

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The California Department of Water Resources has opened the process to apply for its apprenticeship program that can lead to a career with the state agency.

DWR’s Operations and Maintenance Apprenticeship Program has released four exams that are the first step in applying for a career with DWR as an electrician, operator, mechanic, or utility craftsworker. The exams are available from June 15 to July 17.

Applicants who have a high school diploma, are 18 years of age, and meet other qualifications on the exam announcement may apply for one or more exams. Visit the apprentice exam announcements page for exam links and information.

Applicants that pass the written exam with a final score of 70% or better are placed on the eligible list and can apply for the apprenticeship program’s position openings. From June 15 to July 17, vacancies will be posted on the CalCareers website. Apprentice classes are hired together, one time per year, in January.

Apprenticeship Program benefits

Along with in-person class instruction, hands-on-learning, classroom study, home study, and supervised on-the-job training at a water conveyance facility, the apprenticeship program contains many benefits, including:

  • Learning new skills
  • Mentorship from experts
  • College credits
  • Great friendships

During the three to four-year-long program, which are located at DWR facilities across California, the apprentices assist journey-level workers in the various trades. Exam openings for positions include:

  • Utility Craftsworker (three years) works in the repair, operation, modification, replacement, inspection, and maintenance of major civil structures and related utility equipment
  • Hydroelectric Plant (HEP) Electrician (four years) works on the installation, repair, and maintenance of wiring circuits for electrical equipment, motors, and control devices
  • Hydroelectric Plant Mechanic (four years) works on the repair, disassembly, and assembly of large and complex equipment, such as piping systems, pumps, turbines, motors, generators, compressors, and air conditioning systems.
  • Hydroelectric Plant Operator (three years) operates and controls aqueduct facilities and hydroelectric generating and pumping plants

Participants in the first two years of the program receive instruction and complete most tasks under supervision. In the final years of the program apprentices perform more complex tasks, demonstrating knowledge, skills, and abilities required on the job. Participants are continuously evaluated and must pass a series of exams to progress through the program.

After completion, graduates will receive a full-time journey-level position with DWR in their learned trade. Graduates are certified through the Department of Industrial Relations and receive a Certificate of Completion.

For more information, please contact the Joint Apprenticeship Committee Program Coordinator at 916-820-7726 or view the apprenticeship program webpage.

Snow Surveys Help Plan Snowmelt Runoff Forecasts

/in , , /by /Water News Networkby California Department of Water Resources

The California Department of Water Resources May 1 conducted the fifth snow survey of the season at Phillips Station. The manual survey recorded 59 inches of snow depth and a snow water equivalent of 30 inches, which is 241% of average for this location on May 1.

The last time there was measurable snow at the Phillips snow course on May 1 was 2020, when only 1.5 inches of snow and .5 inches of snow water equivalent was measured.

DWR’s electronic readings from 130 snow sensors placed throughout the state indicate the statewide snowpack’s snow water equivalent is 49.2 inches, or 254% of average for May 1.

The snow water equivalent measures the amount of water still contained in the snowpack and is a key component of DWR’s water supply run-off forecast.

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Lawmakers Propose $4.5B Flood Protection Bond Measure

/in , , /by /ABC 7 KRCR by Muna Sadek

Californians could be voting on a major flood protection bond next November.

State lawmakers are pushing a $4.5 billion bond measure which would help fund water infrastructure projects across the state.

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Geologist Weighs in on Importance of California’s Snowpack

/in , , /by /ABC 10 by Moses Small

California’s snowpack is more than two-and-a-half times larger than average right now, according to the state’s Dept. of Water Resources. As the weather gets warmer, it’s going to melt. Geologists say there’s no question we needed the snow.

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Sierra Nevada Snowpack: One of the Largest on Record

/in , , /by /California Department of Water Resources Mentioned: San Diego County Water Authority

Following three consecutive years of drought in California, the Sierra Nevada snowpack is one of the most bountiful in more than 40 years. While the record snowpack and snow water equivalent is great news for water supply, there are concerns the record snowpack could create flooding issues.

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California’s Snowpack Shows Huge Gains from Recent Storms

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The snow water equivalent of California’s snowpack is 190% of average for March 3, 2023. After three years of drought, the bountiful winter is good news, but a drier future demands more conservation and innovative solutions for water supply in the Southwestern U.S.

The Department of Water Resources on March 3, conducted the third snow survey of the season at Phillips Station in the Sierra Nevada. The manual survey recorded 116.5 inches of snow depth and a snow water equivalent of 41.5 inches, which is 177% of average for the location on March 3. Snow water equivalent measures the amount of water contained in the snowpack and is a key component of DWR’s water supply forecast.

California’s Snowpack

DWR’s electronic readings from 130 snow sensors placed throughout the state indicate the statewide snowpack’s snow water equivalent is 44.7 inches, or 190% of average for this date.

Recent Storms

“Thankfully the recent storms combined with the January atmospheric rivers have contributed to an above-average snowpack that will help fill some of the state’s reservoirs and maximize groundwater recharge efforts. But the benefits vary by region, and the Northern Sierra, home to the state’s largest reservoir Lake Shasta, is lagging behind the rest of the Sierra,” DWR Director Karla Nemeth said. “It will also take more than one good year to begin recovery of the state’s groundwater basins.”

It Will Take More than a Single Wet Year to Recover Groundwater Levels in Some Parts of the State

Although the statewide snowpack is currently just behind the record snow year of 1982-83, the snowpack varies considerably by region. The Southern Sierra snowpack is currently 209 percent of its April 1 average and the Central Sierra is at 175 percent of its April 1 average. However, the critical Northern Sierra, where the state’s largest surface water reservoirs are located, is at 136 percent of its April 1 average. With one month of the traditional wet season remaining, DWR is providing updated runoff forecasts to water managers and is closely monitoring spring runoff scenarios and river flows to ensure the most water supply benefits from this year’s snowpack while balancing the need for flood control.

“The recent storms over the past week broke a month-long dry spell in a dramatic way,” said DWR’s Snow Surveys and Water Supply Forecasting Unit Manager Sean de Guzman. “We are hopeful that we will see more cold storms to add to our snowpack for the next month and help set up a long, slow melt period into spring.”

‘Good News’ but Conservation Remains Critical

“The results of today’s snow survey is good news for the state’s water supply, especially for those parts of the state that rely on snowmelt as their primary source of water,” said San Diego County Water Authority Water Resources Manager Jeff Stephenson. “The above average snowpack levels come after three consecutive years of drought that resulted in below normal water levels at the state’s major reservoirs. For the San Diego region, the recent local storms allow residents and businesses to turn off sprinklers and irrigation for at least several weeks, if not longer. This allows the region to keep more water in local reservoirs for use later in the year.”

California’s Snowpack and a Hotter, Drier Climate

“Despite the recent wet weather and the region’s diverse water supply portfolio, the long-term forecast of a hotter, drier climate, for the Southwest U.S., means that water use efficiency remains a key part of saving our most precious resource, in wet or dry years,” added Stephenson.

Stephenson said that there are rebates and other free services available to residents and businesses of San Diego County that can help conserve water and save money.

Airborne Snow Observatory Surveys

To ensure water supply managers have the most current forecasts of snowpack runoff, DWR is utilizing the best available technology to collect the most accurate snow measurements. DWR’s Snow Surveys and Water Supply Forecasting Unit is utilizing Airborne Snow Observatory (ASO) surveys across 12 of California’s major snow-producing watersheds to collect data on the snowpack’s density, depth, reflectiveness, and other factors down to a 3-meter resolution. These flights, which utilize LiDAR and imaging spectrometer technology, provide DWR with more information on water content than ever before, which is then fed into advanced physically based and spatially explicit models to generate the most accurate water supply runoff forecasts possible. These forecasts are used to develop the Bulletin 120 for forecasted spring run-off to determine water allocation and stream flows for the benefit of the environment.

Groundwater Basins ‘Slower to Recover’ From Drought

While winter storms have helped the snowpack and reservoirs, groundwater basins are much slower to recover. Many rural areas are still experiencing water supply challenges, especially communities that rely on groundwater supplies which have been depleted due to prolonged drought. It will take more than a single wet year for groundwater levels to substantially improve at a statewide scale. Drought impacts also vary by location and drought recovery will need to be evaluated on a regional scale and will depend on local water supply conditions.

On February 13, Governor Newsom issued an Executive Order directing state agencies to review and provide recommendations on the state’s drought response actions by the end of April, including the possibility of terminating specific emergency provisions that are no longer needed, once there is greater clarity about the hydrologic conditions this year.

Save Our Water

Californians should still continue to use water wisely so that we can have a thriving economy, community, and environment. DWR encourages Californians to visit SaveOurWater.com for water saving tips and information as more swings between wet and dry conditions will continue in the future.

DWR conducts five media-oriented snow surveys at Phillips Station each winter near the first of each month, January through April and, if necessary, May. The next survey is tentatively scheduled for April 3.

Snow Survey: Good Start but Drought Relief Depends on Coming Months

/in , , /by /Water News Network Quoted: San Diego County Water Authority

The California Department of Water Resources first manual snow survey of the season Tuesday at Phillips Station recorded 55.5 inches of snow depth and a snow water equivalent of 17.5 inches, which is 177% of average for the location. The snow water equivalent measures the amount of water contained in the snowpack and is a key component of DWR’s water supply forecast. Statewide the snowpack is 174% of average for this date.

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