California’s snowpack has hit a 25-year milestone, reaching 96 percent of the historical average.
The accumulation of snow in the Sierra Nevada and other high-altitude regions serves as a critical water source for the state.
Why It Matters
The Sierra Nevada snowpack provides about 30 percent of California’s water, gradually melting to replenish rivers, reservoirs and groundwater. Before 2023, California saw drier weather, limiting water retrieval in the Sierra Nevada. However, over the past three years, wet and snowy conditions have boosted the state’s water supply.
