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.
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As of April 2024, the snowpack measured 110% of normal.
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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'
