DWR Announces February 2007 Snow Survey Results.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- Results of the February 2, 2007, snow survey by the California Department of Water Resources off Highway 50 near Echo Summit are as follows:

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Today's survey was the second of the 2006-2007 snowfall season and although snowpack figures are far below average, they do not necessarily translate to drought conditions statewide for this summer. After three wet winters in a row, reservoir storage is about 110 per cent of normal and groundwater storage for most areas is good. Information on reservoir levels can be found at http://watersupplyconditions.water.ca.gov/current_conditions.pdf.

DWR Snow Survey Section Chief Frank Gehrke said, "We're obviously running low right now but you never know what Mother Nature will do. In 1963 we had no snow at all on this dateOyet we registered 20 inches between February and April."

DWR Chief Hydrologist Maury Roos says, "Reservoir storage is the bright spot right now and medium range weather forecasts for next week indicate a change with some rain and snow in the middle of the week and more over the next weekend about February 11."

In addition to the snow survey results issued today, reporters can find real-time readings of statewide water content posted on the Internet in date order (newest at the bottom) at http://cdec.water.ca.gov/cgi-progs/lsreports/DLYSWEQ.

Electronic sensor readings posted today show Northern Sierra snow water equivalents at 48% of normal for this date, Central Sierra at 40%, and, Southern Sierra at 40%. Statewide, the percentage of normal is at 43%.

The next survey is scheduled for early March. DWR's Public Affairs Office will issue a news advisory before the event.

Importance of Snow Surveying

Snow-water content is important in determining the coming year's water supply. The measurements help hydrologists prepare water supply forecasts as well as provide others, such as hydroelectric power companies and the recreation industry, with much needed data.

Monitoring is coordinated by the Department of Water Resources as part of the multi-agency California Cooperative Snow Surveys Program. Surveyors from more than 50 agencies and utilities visit hundreds of snow measurement courses in California's mountains each month to gauge the amount of water in the snowpack.

The Department of Water Resources operates and maintains the State Water Project, provides dam safety and flood control and inspection services, assists local water districts in water management and water conservation planning, and plans for future statewide water needs.

Contact the DWR Public Affairs Office for more information about DWR's water activities.