Winter Storms Are Driving , California's Unprecedented , Snowpack Recovery.
'Newsweek' reports that California's snowpack has
recovered at an unprecedented rate, increasing at
a magnitude never before seen in this century.
As of the beginning of January 2024,
California's snowpack was at 28% of normal. .
As of April 2024, the snowpack
measured 110% of normal. .
According to weather analyst and storm chaser
Colin McCarthy, a snowpack recovery to this
degree "has not happened in the 21st century.".
Before 2000-2001, it's been difficult
to find a consistent database for
California's statewide snowpack, Colin McCarthy, weather analyst
and storm chaser, via 'Newsweek'.
There hasn't been a year in the 21st
century close to replicating this
pattern: a much below average
snowpack at the beginning of
February [less than 55%] and then
finishing above normal by spring, Colin McCarthy, weather analyst
and storm chaser, via 'Newsweek'.
A series of winter storms, including a number
of atmospheric rivers and a blizzard in the
Sierra Nevada, have occurred in California this year.
'Newsweek' reports that last year also had record
amounts of snowpack accumulation in the mountains.
The increased snowpack comes as a good sign
for the state's water supply which relies on
melting snow to feed rivers and reservoirs.
Growing up in California in the 21st
century, I have seen three separate
record-setting multiyear droughts
plague the state, so it's fantastic
to see two years in a row of
above-normal snowpack, Colin McCarthy, weather analyst
and storm chaser, via 'Newsweek'.
Following last year's record-setting
snowpack, this year's slightly above
[normal] snowpack is a perfect case
scenario for California's water supply, Colin McCarthy, weather analyst
and storm chaser, via 'Newsweek'