All those storms in January did indeed build up the Sierra snow pack. We are now sitting at normal or slightly above in all the major drainages affecting life here in the Truckee Meadows. The latest snow survey, over on the California side near Sierra-at-Tahoe, registered 106% of the average for the area. Closer to home, measurements reported by the National Water and Climate Center, as of February 2, look good as well and are reported below. In order for the water year (ends April 1) to finish up out of drought territory, we're going to need wet and snowy weather to continue through February and March. And it's going to take a real frog strangler to fill up depleted reservoirs.
Snowy landscape near Mt. Rose, west of Reno, Nevada. Photo © Stan White
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- Mt. Rose Ski Area - 103%
- Lake Tahoe at Heavenly Valley - 105%
- Carson River at Monitor Pass - 123%
- Walker River at Sonora Pass - 102%
Snowy landscape near Mt. Rose, west of Reno, Nevada. Photo © Stan White
If you're wondering why I report on water and the weather so often, it's because it affects just about every aspect of life in the Reno / Tahoe region - the overall economy including agriculture, recreation, travel, tourism, transportation, and the wildfire hazard. In the short term, we are forecast to pick up some rain and snow mid-week, with a more significant storm rolling in this weekend. Keep 'em coming.
If you plan to travel by road anywhere outside the Truckee Meadows, be prepared for winter driving and check the highway conditions before departing.
Sources: National Water and Climate Center, Tahoe Daily Tribune.
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