Friday April 7, 2023
The Sun-Gazette —
After the Southern Sierra snowpack has reached record breaking levels, how fast the runoff will melt is dependent upon Spring weather.
The Department of Water Resources (DWR) conducted their fourth snow survey of the year on April 3 and the report showed snowpack levels are on par with being the highest they have ever been. DWR’s electronic readings from 130 snow sensors placed throughout the state indicate the statewide snowpack’s snow water equivalent is 66.1 inches, or 237% of average for this date. The size and distribution of this year’s snowpack is also posing severe flood risk to areas of the state, especially the Southern San Joaquin Valley. However, the rate at which the snowpack will melt is still unknown and will have to be judged consistently in the coming weeks.
“On a weekly basis, as we get weather forecasting and better guidance, we’ll have a better sense for the rate of runoff,” DWR supervising engineer David Rizzardo said. “But certainly no holds barred on being vigilant and concerned in terms of the amount of water that we would expect to see coming down.”