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California Snowpack at 59% After Dry January with Limited Storms Ahead
A dry and warm January reduced Sierra Nevada snowpack to 59% of average, limiting water supply for reservoirs despite above-average rainfall last year, officials said.
- On Jan 30, 2026, the Department of Water Resources said the statewide snowpack is 59% of average after its second official survey, following a dry January.
- Record warmth meant January's mostly sunny weather caused more precipitation to fall as rain than snow, and about three weeks of dry weather erased gains from earlier atmospheric river storms.
- At Phillips Station, manual surveys showed 23 inches of snow depth and 8 inches of water content, about 46% of the average for this date, while the automated snow sensor network reported 9.7 inches of water statewide.
- The low snowpack threatens California water users relying on Sierra snowpack, which supplies about 30% of state water, and officials warned it will likely worsen shortages in the Colorado River Basin despite major California reservoirs at 124% of average this year.
- Current forecasts show no significant precipitation for the next two weeks, and with a short window before the April 1 peak, drying mountain soils hinder spring runoff dynamics.
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Dry January leaves California's vital snowpack well under average
California Department of Water Resources Engineer Jacob Kollen (right) and Hydrometerologist Angelique Fabbiani-Leon take measurements at Phillips Station in the Sierra Nevada. (Photo by Andrew Nixon/California Department of Water Resources) Thanks to a dry January, the second official snow survey of the season found California’s snowpack at only 59% of normal, the Department of Water Resources reported Friday. Officials said the atmospheric-ri…
·San Diego County, United States
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California water officials say Sierra snow survey finds 'below average' results after dry January
California water officials on Friday said a gauge of the state's snowpack for the second time this season has found "below average" results following a relatively dry month.
·Sacramento, United States
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Coverage Details
Total News Sources10
Leaning Left2Leaning Right0Center4Last UpdatedBias Distribution67% Center
Bias Distribution
- 67% of the sources are Center
67% Center
L 33%
C 67%
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