Yosemite Snowpack Water Content Far Above Average

Above, a view of Half Dome and the snowpack of a year ago. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It looks like California's drought is over, at least it is for this year.

The snowpack at Yosemite National Park is way above average, which is what we need for ample drinking water for the rest of the year and then some.

According to Sierra News Online:

YOSEMITE — After years of drought, the central Sierra has experienced much welcome precipitation, and reports from the higher elevations of Yosemite National Park are encouraging. 

Park staff have completed the April 1 snow surveys, and report that the water content of the snowpack in the Tuolumne drainage is 177 percent of average. In the Merced drainage it is 168 percent of average. 

The snowpack is heavily weighted toward the higher elevations. Below 7,500′ the snow is deep but not exceptional, with 143 percent of average across the park. Above 8,500′ the water content of the snowpack is the highest on record. The snow on the high elevation courses is 10-14 feet deep and contains 5-7 feet of water.

As I write this, a storm is expected to hit the Los Angeles area in a few hours. It has been dry for the past several days and my allergies have been acting up. Having some rain to wet down pollen and dust will be a relief.

Above, Tenaya Creek in Yosemite Valley last year. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

To read more, go here.