Snow Skiing In California thru June. 30th.
Sierra ski resorts to remain open to Ski through June 30th.
California Snow
"Record snowpack in the Sierras"
In this photo provided by Mammoth Mountain Ski Area, a snowboarder rides in Mammoth Lakes, Calif., Sunday, May 5, 2024. A weekend spring storm that drenched the San Francisco Bay area and closed Northern California mountain highways also set a single-day snowfall record for the season on Sunday in the Sierra Nevada. (Peter Morning/Mammoth Mountain Ski Area via AP)
The wet weather system had mostly moved out of the state by Sunday morning, but officials warned that roads would remain slick after around two feet (60 centimeters) of snow fell in some areas of the Sierra.
“Did anyone have the snowiest day of the 2023/2024 season being in May on their winter bingo card?” the University of California, Berkeley Central Sierra Snow Lab asked on the social platform X.
The 26.4 inches (67 centimeters) of snowfall on Sunday beat the second snowiest day of the season — March 3rd — by 2.6 inches (6.6 centimeters), according to the lab.
Treacherous driving conditions on Saturday forced the closure of several highways near Lake Tahoe, including Interstate 80 over the Donner Summit.
Flood advisories were issued for parts of the Bay Area, where up to an inch (2.5 centimeters) of rain fell while temperatures dipped into the low 40s (around 5 degrees Celsius), the National Weather Service said. Wind gusts reaching 40 mph (64 kph) were reported Saturday near San Francisco.
The storm brought light rain and gusty winds to Southern California.
Drier and warmer conditions were expected throughout the week.
California Snow
In this photo provided by Mammoth Mountain Ski Area, snow falls in Mammoth Lakes, Calif., Saturday, May 4, 2024. A weekend spring storm that drenched the San Francisco Bay area and closed Northern California mountain highways also set a single-day snowfall record for the season on Sunday in the Sierra Nevada.
Sierra Nevada records snowiest day of the season from brief but potent California storm
In this photo provided by Mammoth Mountain Ski Area, snow falls in Mammoth Lakes, Calif., Saturday, May 4, 2024. A weekend spring storm that drenched the San Francisco Bay area and closed Northern California mountain highways also set a single-day snowfall record for the season on Sunday in the Sierra Nevada
Source: Sierra Nevada records snowiest day of the season from brief but potent California storm (yahoo.com)
California Water Supply Sees Dramatic Change After Massive Weather Event
California's water supply has seen a remarkable turnaround this year, thanks to an epic snowpack in the Sierra Nevada. State officials predict significant flooding as the snow melts and flows into the state’s reservoirs and rivers.
This transformation highlights the dramatic impact of recent weather events on California's water resources.
Record-Breaking Snowpack
California's water supply has seen a remarkable turnaround this year, thanks to an epic snowpack in the Sierra Nevada. State officials predict significant flooding as the snow melts and flows into the state’s reservoirs and rivers.This transformation highlights the dramatic impact of recent weather events on California's water resources.
From Drought to Surplus
California faced severe drought conditions for three years until powerful storms began in December 2023.
These storms replenished reservoirs and built the extraordinary snowpack now seen in 2024. The rapid shift from drought to surplus showcases the variability of California’s climate.
Flooding Concerns
With the snowpack melting, significant flooding is expected, especially in the Tulare Lake Basin.
Future Projections
Snowmelt runoff projections indicate record levels, with the Kern River watershed expected to see 422% of the average runoff.
Impact on Agriculture
The increased water supply is a boon for California's agriculture, which relies heavily on water from the Sierra Nevada.
Long-Term Implications
The dramatic change in water supply underscores the importance of infrastructure and planning.California must adapt to these fluctuations to manage both drought and flood conditions effectively. Investments in water infrastructure are crucial for long-term resilience.
Adapting to Extremes
California's water supply has shifted from drought to surplus within months. This transformation emphasizes the need for resilient water management strategies to handle the state's variable climate.Effective planning and infrastructure will be key to navigating these extreme changes.
Urban Flood Preparedness and Response
With significant flooding expected from the snowmelt, urban areas in California are implementing emergency plans to protect infrastructure and ensure public safety. Cities like Sacramento and Los Angeles continue to enhance drainage systems, reinforce levees, and establish community response teams.
Strengthening Water Infrastructure
In response to the dramatic water supply changes, California is investing heavily in water infrastructure. Projects include reinforcing dams, upgrading spillways, and improving levee systems to handle increased runoff.These investments are crucial for enhancing the state’s capacity to manage both surplus and scarcity, ensuring long-term resilience and reliability of water resources.
(Various sources)