Sonora, CA—With the latest storms bringing plenty of rain, state water officials noted that more snow is needed to boost the coming year’s water supply, but it is still early.
The first manual snowpack reading of the 2026 season was held at Phillips Station in the Sierra Nevada today (12/30/25), recording a snow depth of 24 inches (61 centimeters). Department of Water Resources (DWR) hydrometeorologist Angelique Fabbiani-Leon reported that the water content of snowpack at the station is at 50% of the average for this time of year and 24% of the average for April 1, when the Sierra snowpack is typically at its peak.
While those levels are about half of what the state saw at this time last year, and most of the weather has been rainy, Fabbiani-Leon reported that more snow is needed and should be coming as the temperatures dip, bringing more snow to the high country, building up the snowpack.
“The dry conditions and warmer temperatures in early December delayed our snow-building season, but the return of storm activity, especially in the last week, helped to build a solid base for this year’s snowpack,” shared Fabbiani-Leon. “Thankfully, the recent storms that reached the state were cold enough to provide necessary benefits for the snowpack and our water supply. While California is in a better position now, it is still early in the season, and our state’s water supply for this year will ultimately depend on a continued cadence of storms throughout winter and early spring.”
The department also collects measurements with electronic instruments at other sites and shared that statewide the snowpack is 71% of average, compared to 115 percent on this date last year. DWR noted that reservoirs are measuring at 123% of average for this time of year; click here for the chart.
“We’re at a pretty good place as far as our major reservoirs,” stated Fabbiani-Leon. Several are at the top of conservation, which is a really good place for right now.”
About a year ago, the Phillips Station recorded 91% of average water content. In 2025, the state’s snowpack was around normal, just ahead of the April 1 high, and reservoirs were over historic capacity after two rainy winters following a years-long drought that necessitated substantial water consumption cuts.
Hence then, the article about late storms a relief for state snowpack water supply was published today ( ) and is available on myMOTHERLODE ( Middle East ) The editorial team at PressBee has edited and verified it, and it may have been modified, fully republished, or quoted. You can read and follow the updates of this news or article from its original source.
Read More Details
Finally We wish PressBee provided you with enough information of ( Late Storms A Relief For State Snowpack/Water Supply )
Also on site :