DWR Announces Final Snow Survey Results of 2004-05 Season.

SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- Results of the late April, 2005, snow survey by the California Department of Water Resources near Echo Summit in the Northern Sierra are as follows:

% of Long
Location      Elevation    Snow Depth    Water Content   Term Average

Alpha         7,600 feet   85.8 inches   43.6 inches         168

Phillips Stn  6,800 feet   61.1 inches   31.4 inches         195

Lyons Creek   6,700 feet   89.7 inches     43 inches         190

The Tamarack Flat course was not surveyed because rainy weather conditions made access too difficult.

In addition to the manually measured sites, 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 144% of normal for this date, Central Sierra at 145%, and, Southern Sierra at 171%. Statewide, the percentage of normal is at 151%.

Snow Survey Section Chief Frank Gehrke commented that "the last time we had this kind of a snowpack was 1998. We should have ample snowmelt to provide good stream flow well into the summer."

Meanwhile, DWR officials announced last Thursday that the allocation of 2005 State Water Project (SWP) water for long-term contractors was being increased from 70% to 80%. 29 water and irrigation districts have contracts to purchase water from the SWP. See the notice to Contractors at: http://www.swpao.water.ca.gov/notices/.

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 the Sierra each month to gauge the amount of water in the snowpack.

The next snow survey will be the first of the 2005-06 season and will take place in late December or early January.

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.