Southern California Reservoirs May Get a Boost
A late-season winter storm could give Southern California a boost in snowpack that will benefit the region's water supply following below-average snow levels during the winter.
Newsweek reached out to the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) via email for comment on Friday.
Why It Matters
After an underwhelming early winter season, concerns grew that California's reservoirs-key to managing drought and water supply for millions-would struggle to meet demands. However, recent storms helped change the outlook. The April snow survey of the year was conducted on March 28 by the DWR, and snowpack was measured at 90 percent of average statewide.
But Northern and Central California received more snow than Southern California, which remained "exceptionally dry," according to DWR officials. Despite this, reservoir levels across California, including Southern California facilities, are trending above historical norms for this time of year.
What To Know
Typically, significant winter storms end before April 1, but this year's unusual weather pattern is bringing additional snow to areas that had been trailing their seasonal averages.
The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a Winter Weather Advisory for the Southern California mountains, forecasting up to 7 inches of new snow accumulation in higher elevations through the weekend. The late April snowfall, combined with an already near-average Sierra Nevada snowpack, signals encouraging prospects for the state's water supplies.
Although the Sierra Nevada, which supplies about one-third of California's water, did not exceed record highs this year, officials emphasized the significance of reaching near-normal levels after a dry start to the season. Despite being near average, this year's snowpack is much below snowpack levels in 2023 and 2024.
In 2023, California snowpack peaked at 241 percent of average. The impressive snowfall alleviated California's drought throughout the year. Snowfall peaked at 113 percent of average in 2024.
Even though this year didn't perform as well as the past two years, the DWR reported on March 25 that State Water Project allocations were increased to 40 percent-up from 30 percent in December-thanks to a wet winter and improved hydrologic outlooks.
While conditions are significantly better than in recent drought years, officials caution that one good season doesn't fix long-term water supply issues. Still, the replenishment is a welcome reprieve for a state where water security is a constant concern.
What People Are Saying
A DWR spokesperson previously told Newsweek: "The April 1 snowpack is an important benchmark for water managers who rely on snowpack and snowmelt runoff forecast data to plan for the amount of water that will flow into California's rivers and reservoirs in the spring. The State Water Project and water districts use this data to plan for how much water will be available for urban and agricultural water users during the drier summer and fall months."
The NWS office in Los Angeles, in its Winter Weather Advisory: "Be prepared for slippery roads. Slow down and use caution while driving. If you are going outside, watch your first few steps taken on stairs, sidewalks, and driveways. These surfaces could be icy and slippery, increasing your risk of a fall and injury."
What Happens Next
The advisory will remain in place until Sunday morning. It remains unclear if more late-season winter storms will move through Southern California before the arrival of warmer temperatures.
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This story was originally published April 25, 2025 at 6:37 PM