Read in newspaper this morning. I thought survey measurements were not scheduled for release until April 1?!

• Mar 26, 2008 3:24 pm US/Pacific
  
  
  

Sierra Snowpack Back To Normal Levels

SACRAMENTO (AP) The Sierra snowpack has shrunk to normal levels, after a series of big winter storms in January and early February was followed by a relative dry spell.

The California Department of Water Resources' fourth snow survey of the season on Wednesday found levels about 105 percent of normal in the northern and southern parts of the Sierra, and about 90 percent of normal in the central Sierra.

The department says the snowpack will help fill reservoirs depleted after last year's dry winter.

But water shipments to farmers and cities continue to be cut because of a federal court order to protect fish in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta.

Wednesday's measurements are below those taken during the department's last snow survey a month ago.

At that time, the snowpack was 122 percent of normal in the northern Sierra and 130 percent of normal in the southern part of the range.

The National Weather Service says no significant storms are on the horizon.


-- Edited by Flying Dutchman at 10:59, 2008-03-27

-- Edited by Flying Dutchman at 11:01, 2008-03-27