Sierra Nevada 2020 outlook

Our slice of California may make it through February with no rain, which would be a historical first (records going back 150+ years). While the sun is nice and all, we could really use rain here and snow in the mountains.

The current northern, central and southern snowpacks are 47, 41 and 36 percent of average, respectively, and we're far behind wet 2017 and 2019 and even relatively dry 2018.

If things remain this way, trails and trailheads will open months earlier than normal and fire will doubtless intrude from August onward. Adjust your planning calendars--in pencil for now--accordingly.

You can follow the three-region snowpack at this link.

All the best,

Yes, indeed. A very serious situation. Pray for rain (and snow!)

Pops in a month later to note we had nuttin' in February. As in locally, the first February in history with no measurable rain combined with several days setting record high temps. Bicycling in shorts and tshirt? Yup.

Today's Sierran north, central and southern snowpack percentages: 43, 39, 34.

I guess PCT no-bos can start, like, now?

Cheers,

The weather can certainly be fickle from one year to the next. I lived at Lake Tahoe for eight years during some of the heaviest snowfall on record.

Another check-in as we begin our first winter storm since January. This one is supposed to last three days and it seems to be cold, which will help the snowpack versus what rain would bring.

Today's relevant percentages: 42, 37, 35 north to south. Check back Tuesday or Wednesday to see how much the storm helped.

Cheers,

48, 50 and 39%. A very good result from just one storm. Call it subpar and not sub-subpar.

A few more would be nice.

Yes. And more on the way. Keep your fingers crossed.

(You've got nothing else to do during this self-quarantine...)

Staring at graphs is its own reward.

The weekend storms were big, adding lots to the entire range. Today's percentages: 66, 64, 49%, north to south.