Sierra snowpack above normal, but reservoirs are low
By Bill Lindelof - blindelof@sacbee.com
Published 7:33 am PST Friday, February 29, 2008
Recent storms in the mountains have kept snowpack levels above normal, according to the latest Sierra snow survey.
Results of a survey conducted Thursday by the California Department of Water Rescources showed that the Sierra snowpack is at 118 percent of normal for this time of year.
"California's snow pack is in good shape with statewide average water content just over the normal April 1 peak," said DWR Hydrology Branch Chief Arthur Hinojosa. "Nevertheless, additional precipitation is still needed to alleviate the deficits to water supply conditions that existed at the start of the season."
Meanwhile, Northern California lakes and reservoirs are low with storage levels at 30percent to 60 percent of capacity. DWR officials hope that a big spring snowmelt will replenish Folsom Lake and other reservoirs to help meet the demand for water this summer.
