Weather 
LOS ANGELES () — After a series of February storms, California’s snowpack received a much-needed boost but it’s still not enough to bring the state back to average for this time of year.
State water officials conducted their latest snow survey at Phillips Station along Highway 50, marking the third survey of the season. The monthly measurements are critical because the Sierra Nevada snowpack acts as a natural reservoir. As it melts, it feeds rivers and refills lakes that supply about 30 percent of California’s water.
Last month’s survey painted a grim picture following a mostly dry January. Snow depth measured just 23 inches, with a snow water content of eight inches well below normal.
But then came February storms which helped improve conditions.
“Net of the two storms helped us,” said Andy Reising, manager with the California Department of Water Resources. “We are ahead of where we were last month but still way behind where we would hope to be, particularly in the northern part of the state.”
Storms this season have been unevenly distributed across the Sierra Nevada. The Southern Sierra is sitting at about 90 percent of average for this date, while the Northern Sierra, home to several of the state’s largest water supply reservoirs, is only 46 percent of normal.
Despite the below-average snowpack, major reservoirs statewide are currently at 122 percent of average capacity. State water managers, including the State Water Project, continue efforts to capture and store as much runoff as possible. Snow survey data plays a key role in determining how much water will be allocated throughout the year.
While statewide snowpack remains below average, local ski resorts are reporting stronger snow depth compared to historical averages for late February.
Mountain High is currently at 164% of average snow depth for this time of year. Snow Valley is at 123% of average, Bear Mountain at 111%, and Snow Summit at 71%.
Recent storms have made a visible difference on the slopes even as warm temperatures move in. Some inland areas are expected to approach 90 degrees.
“I would prefer it to be a little colder so I can bundle up, but I mean it’s nice,” said Paloma Bornn of Santa Clarita.
Her brother, Angelo Bornn, agreed that conditions felt more like spring.
“It’s a little bit slushy but we are making it work. We are hitting these jumps,” he said while celebrating his sister’s birthday at Mountain High.
With spring break approaching, Mountain High is planning several upcoming events. Resort officials are hopeful that winter may not be over just yet.
“We have our fingers crossed for a couple more snow storms,” said Todd Profit, Mountain High’s events manager. “So, it’s not all said and done yet.”
For now, while California’s snowpack has improved compared to last month, water officials say more storms would be needed to bring the state back to average conditions heading into spring.
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