In February, LADWP took its first readings of the Eastern Sierra Nevada snowpack this year, and it measured 100 percent of normal to date, and 62 percent normal of a typical water year ending April 1.
ending April 1. Measurements will continue monthly through April 1.
Snowmelt runoff is a core component of the water cycle and marks an important transition in the hydrological year, where stored winter snow melts into rivers, streams, creeks, reservoirs, and groundwater basins. For more than 100 years, the Los Angeles Aqueduct (LAA) has delivered water to Angelenos. Today it provides reliable clean water to almost four million residents. The LAA system is Los Angeles’ most affordable, environmentally protected, and energy efficient water source.
In February, LADWP hydrographers entered into the Eastern Sierra backcountry and conducted the first snow survey of the season. Every year, snow surveys begin on Feb. 1 and continue monthly through April 1. During the final snow survey of the season in April, which marks the end of the water runoff year, LADWP also measures the surface elevation of Mono Lake. This lake level reading, along with the annual snow surveys, provides essential data that supports forecasting and informs water deliveries to the City of Los Angeles.
Snow surveying is carried out by skilled LADWP hydrographers, experts in snow sampling techniques, cross country travel, avalanche safety, first aid, and mountain survival. This work plays a vital role in forecasting and shaping our water future by providing the science-based snow measurements needed to plan for the year ahead.
Thanks for your service, LADWP hydrographers!