Meager Snowpack Heading Into Dry Season
Roseville, Calif.- When it comes to water resources, the northern Sierra Nevada snowpack is a harbinger of abundance or scarcity for 40 million California residents and businesses. The 2025–26 snow season has remains far below average with a little relief from recent April storms.
Regardless of this year's precipitation, redoubling efforts in conservation and planning for the future remains the pragmatic option for the Golden State and the West.
California Snowpack Water Content: April 2026
| Region | Water Content (in inches) | % Avg to Date |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Sierra | 2.2 | 9% |
| Central Sierra | 6 | 25% |
| Southern Sierra | 5.8 | 30% |
| Statewide | 4.9 | 21% |
California Snowpack Water Content: April 2025
| Region | Water Content (in inches) | % Avg to Date |
|---|---|---|
| Northern Sierra | 30.6 | 118% |
| Central Sierra | 25.3 | 91% |
| Southern Sierra | 18.9 | 84% |
| Statewide | 25.1 | 96% |
source: CA Dept of Water Resources
California Snowpack Water Content – April 2024
| Region | Water Content (in inches) | % Avg to Date | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northern Sierra | 25.10 | 108 | |
| Central Sierra | 20.30 | 89 | |
| Southern Sierra | 16.90 | 95 | |
| Statewide | 20.80 | 96 |
California Snowpack Water Content – July 2023
| Region | Water Content (in inches) | % Avg to Date | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northern Sierra | 2.5 | 727 | |
| Central Sierra | 1.9 | 471 | |
| Southern Sierra | 1.30 | 412 | |
| Statewide | 1.90 | 381 |
California Snowpack – Updated March 2022
| Region | Water Content (in inches) | % Avg to Date | % Avg year ago |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northern Sierra | 14.80 | 57 | 63 |
| Central Sierra | 17.00 | 65 | 66 |
| Southern Sierra | 14.10 | 63 | 44 |
| Statewide | 15.50 | 63 | 60 |