California has lost roughly 20% of its mountain snowpack since late February, raising concerns about water availability later this summer, according to the California Department of Water Resources.
State water officials say early March conditions are showing increasing stress on the snowpack. Current levels are around half of the typical April 1 average, and roughly one-fifth of the peak snowpack has already melted, raising concerns about reduced spring runoff and an earlier melt season.
The snowpack is beginning to melt weeks earlier than usual, driven by unseasonably warm temperatures and relatively dry weather conditions, according to the department.
The statewide snowpack reached its seasonal peak on February 24, when snow water content measured 16.4 inches, which is about 61% of the April 1 average. Warmer temperatures since then have accelerated melting, with snow levels declining by roughly 0.2 inches per day.
By March 9, the statewide snowpack had dropped to about 50% of the April 1 average, according to state measurements.
Today, DWR released its latest Bulletin 120 and Water Supply Index Forecast, which assess precipitation, snowpack, snow melt, and river flows for our State’s water system. Below average snowpack and warm temperatures are creating challenges for water managers. DWR Director Karla… pic.twitter.com/YBojZwxaIF
— California Department of Water Resources (@CA_DWR) March 9, 2026
According to the department, about 18% to 20% of the peak snowpack has already melted, an unusually rapid decline for early March. Earlier melting can push more water into rivers now, leaving less snow available to feed rivers and reservoirs later in the summer, when water demand typically increases.
As of March 9, statewide snow sensors measured 13.5 inches of snow water content, about 53% of normal for this time of year. Regional measurements show major differences across the Sierra Nevada.
Snowpack in the Northern Sierra is about 32% of the April 1 average, while the Central Sierra is near 54% and the Southern Sierra around 72%.
Overall, the statewide snowpack stands at roughly half of the April 1 average.
Manual snow surveys conducted between February 22 and March 3 also confirmed below-normal conditions. Those surveys measured statewide snowpack at 68% of the March 1 average and about 59% of the April 1 benchmark.
Snowpack refers to the snow that accumulates in California’s mountains during winter, particularly in the Sierra Nevada, and acts as a natural water storage system. It typically reaches its peak around April 1 before gradually melting through spring.
The department noted that warmer temperatures and limited precipitation have lowered the expected runoff this year. The April–July runoff forecast is about 9.3 million acre-feet, or 67% of the historical average.
Despite the weaker spring outlook, the overall water-year runoff forecast is estimated at 27.3 million acre-feet, or about 91% of the historical average. February precipitation was slightly above average statewide, although snowfall totals were lower in parts of Northern California.
The Northern Sierra index recorded 92% of average, the San Joaquin basin reached 102%, and the Tulare Basin measured 119%. However, March has started relatively dry with limited precipitation so far.
The Sacramento River runoff forecast is 16.5 million acre-feet, or 94% of average. The Sacramento Valley Water Supply Index is 7.83, classified as “Above Normal,” while the San Joaquin Valley Index is 2.24, considered “Dry.” Climate outlooks currently call for above-normal temperatures and below-normal precipitation, with La Niña expected to weaken later this spring.
Let’s keep building like there’s never been and never will be years-long droughts.
Let’s panic. Oh wait, Mammoth is at 244” for this season. Nevermind.
God, for a former “scientist,” you’re absurdly dim. Read the article, Doc.
You do this a lot. “It’s raining today, therefore we’re not in a drought.”
Pure brilliance. Didn’t know DeVry handed out PhDs….
More reason to encourage people to leave California. Better reason to stop Big Ag from expanding their water consumption gluttony, especially their ground pumping folly. In fact PEOPLE USE of water accounts for maybe 11% of California’s water needs. Water used to grow exported alfalfa, almonds, grapes (wine) and such is about 80%. If these mega-consumers would just reduce their use by 10% we would be far ahead but they don’t do much because they have “grandfathered” rights and because they think they can just bully their way to more infrastructure and greater restrictions on use of water by people and for nature.