While still below normal, the latest measurements show that the snowpack at Mammoth Pass is closer to normal than it was two weeks ago.

snow_1-19The latest snowpack numbers from the LA Department of Water and Power show 27.3 inches of water content on the ground at Mammoth Pass. On January 22, before the last round of storms blew in, t water content on the ground measured 19.3 inches. This was 80% of normal for that date. Since that report, Mammoth Pass has picked up additional snow that has brought the water content to 92% of normal for this time of year.

Mammoth Pass is an important indicator of spring runoff, with a normal season having over 40 inches of water content on the ground by April. Other measuring sites dont usually receive so much moisture as Mammoth Pass. These sites are closer to normal to date and even above.

According to the DWP web page, Rock Creek checks in at 98% of normal to date. With 12.1 inches of water, South Lake is running 104% of normal to date. Big Pine Creek is running at 102% of normal to date, and Cottonwood Lakes is running at 141% of normal to date, having reached 100% of normal for the season in January.

In the Owens Valley, the green grass has started to sprout with all locations running well above normal for moisture for this time of year. With just under 4 inches of rain for the season so far, Bishop sits at 104% of normal. Big Pine checks in with over seven inches of water for 130% of normal to date. Independence has received 4.48 of rain and snow which is 143% of normal to date.

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