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Snow Brings Relief To Ski Resorts But Snow Survey Dismal

  •  Amy Quinton 
Thursday, January 30, 2014 | Sacramento, CA
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Kirkwood Mountain Resort
 

Kirkwood Mountain Resort

The second snow survey of the winter has found water content statewide at just 12-percent of average for this time of year.

To put it in perspective, statewide records go back to 1960. The lowest water measurement ever was 21-percent in 1991.

Donner Ski Ranch hasn’t been able to open its trails yet. But General Manager Lincoln Kauffman says he remains hopeful.

 “We’ll adapt and overcome and get ready for what’s next. It can be pretty gut-wrenching at times,” Kauffman says.

Andy Wirth is with Squaw Valley and Alpine Meadows Resorts. He says he’s overjoyed by the snow this week. It will mean more trails will open.

 “This is a snow storm that’s not going to get us but one marker closer towards being better but it’s a great storm," says Wirth. "We have about nine inches of new snow at Alpine Meadows Squaw Valley, in total we think we’ll get about 30 to 35 inches out of this storm.”

The state’s major reservoirs remain low. Lake Oroville and Shasta Lake are at 36-percent of capacity.
Not only was 2013 the driest calendar year on records going back to 1895, but forecasters say this January may go into the books as the driest ever. 

Related Story

Ski Reports Reporting Substantial Snowfall

Officials To Measure Sierra Snowpack

 


Jan 30-edited -2
A snowboarder enjoying the fresh powder at Northstar on Thursday. Rachael Woods/ Northstar California Resort
 

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    Using this new approach to calculate the snow’s water content also means improved forecasts for farms and cities, and even positive benefits for renewable-energy production. The program soon could go statewide — if it gets funded.

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    (AP) — Monday's snow survey found a "much rosier" picture than before last week's heavy winter storm, but still less than half the usual snow for this point in the season.


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    More about drought

  • State Of Drought

    Reservoir levels are at historic lows, municipalities are ordering mandatory conservation and farmers are bracing for water shortages. CapRadio is following how Californians are being impacted by the drought.

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  • Sierra-at-Tahoe / Courtesy

    Snow A Welcome Sign At Sierra-at-Tahoe Ski Area

    Thursday, October 29, 2015
    Sierra-at-Tahoe, on the south shore of Lake Tahoe in Twin Bridges, has received some snow. After four years of drought, Lake Tahoe ski resorts hope it's a sign of a good season to come.

 droughtenvironment

Amy Quinton

Former Environment Reporter

Amy came to Sacramento from New Hampshire Public Radio (NHPR) where she was Environment Reporter. Amy has also reported for NPR member stations WFAE in Charlotte, WAMU in Washington D.C. and American Public Media's "Marketplace."  Read Full Bio 

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