California water officials set to conduct 3rd snow survey of the season following recent snowstorms
Statewide snowpack is 66% of average after February storms, improving from 59% in January, but still below normal with one month left in the accumulation season.
- On Feb. 27, 2026 the California Department of Water Resources conducted the season's third traditional manual survey at Phillips Station, finding 28 inches of snow and 11 inches snow water equivalent while statewide snowpack was 66% of average.
- After a series of February storms, officials said the survey aimed to assess if recent snowfall boosted the Sierra snowpack, which swells the state's rivers and reservoirs as it melts.
- Last month, snow surveys showed 23 inches of snow depth and 8 inches of snow water content, with regional readings at 46% of average, according to David Rizzardo, Department of Water Resources Hydrology Manager.
- According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, major reservoirs statewide are 122% of average, and Christopher Tritto said they are watching levels closely, 'I think we're cautiously optimistic.'
- The next crucial check is April 1, when the snowpack historically peaks, but officials warn March is the last big storm push amid warmth shifting precipitation to rain.
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California's snowpack remains below average despite recent storms, survey shows
The Department of Water Resources said the snowpack is 66% of average for this date statewide, with the recent storms not enough to get the state back to average conditions for this time of year.
California snowpack grew after February storms, but remains below average
California’s vital snowpack grew after February’s storms, but is still only two-thirds of normal with just one month left in the rainy season. The Department of Water Resources conducted its the third traditional manual survey of the season on Friday, finding 28 inches at Phillips Station in the Sierra Nevada. That was just 47% of average, but statewide the figure was 66% – up from 59% on Jan. 30. “Although the storms we saw in mid-February were…
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