California Snowpack Melts After Record Heat

Record March heat rapidly melted California’s Sierra Nevada snowpack, reducing it to 18% of average by April 1, the second-lowest modern-record reading.

Because the Sierra Nevada supplies roughly one-third of California’s water, earlier melt could reduce spring and summer runoff, accelerate landscape drying, and increase reliance on stored water. Reservoirs remain relatively strong in the near term, but the event is increasing pressure for conservation, water recycling, groundwater recharge, and changes to water and forest management.