The California snowpack is only 83 percent of the average for March 1, “the result of moderate precipitation since last October and relatively warm temperatures,” said the state Department of Water Resources.
Traditionally, the state receives half of its precipitation during December, January and February. The melting snowpack supplies 30 percent of California’s water needs. “The statewide readings suggest this may not be a drought-busting year unless California receives heavy rain this month as it did during the ‘March miracles’ of 1991 and 1995,” said the DNR.
California endured four years of drought and the development of a strong El Niño weather pattern raised hopes of abundant rain and snowfall that would ease water shortages and raise water levels in reservoirs. “Right now, we’re obviously better than last year but still way below what would be considered adequate for any reasonable level of recovery at this point,” said Frank Gehrke, chief of the snow-survey program.
DWR director Mark Cowin said, “Mother Nature is not living up to predictions by some of a ‘Godzilla’ El Niño would produce more precipitation than usual this winter. We need conservation as much as ever.”