No snow: Sierra is having one of the driest Januaries in decades
The Sierra is seeing one of the longest winter periods without precipitation in decades.
The last measurable snowfall was on Jan. 4th.
The season had a promising start with major storms hitting the region.
SODA SPRINGS, Calif. - The Sierra Nevada is in the midst of a dry spell, one of the longest winter periods without notable precipitation in 34 years, the UC Berkeley Central Sierra Snow Lab said on Tuesday.
The last measurable snowfall was on Jan. 4th.
By the numbers
Overall precipitation this month was measured at only 1.61 inches, the research group said, making it the 7th driest January since 1971 at the Donner Pass lab.
This dry stretch is tied for the third-longest winter period without precipitation since 1991.
Timeline
Water experts said the season began with a promising start.
"A powerful atmospheric river in November broke several rainfall records in Northern California. A series of storms in late December provided another boost," the California Department of Water Resources said following its first snow survey of the season earlier this month.
The storms put the snow-water measurements near average, state water officials said.
CSSL said its measurements show the lab is now at 66% of median snow-water equivalent and 78% of median precipitation.
"A blocking high pressure system has kept precipitation away from California and we've dried out," the Central Sierra Snow Lab (CSSL) said in a newsletter.
The January dry spell came after a warm and dry fall, threatening a return of drought to many parts of California that have enjoyed drought-free conditions.
Areas of parched Southern California are already categorized as being in an "extreme drought."
SEE ALSO: L.A. fires are an omen that could redefine firefighting preparations
Dig deeper
Maps from the U.S. Drought Monitor showed the drastic changes that have happened since last year this time, when most of the state was clear of any drought threats. (See map on the right. Note areas seen in white.)
The latest map from last week showed that parts of Contra Costa, Alameda and Santa Clara counties along with Central California were facing "abnormally dry" conditions (See map on left. Note areas seen in yellow).
Peach-colored regions depict "moderate drought." The orange means the area is in "severe drought." And red shows "extreme drought" conditions.
What's next
Researchers said the region may get a little relief in the coming weeks.
"There is a glimmer of hope at the beginning of February with models indicating a more active pattern taking hold over the first 7-10 days of the month with overall quantities of precipitation from ensemble models up to 6" for the lab," researcher said.
The forecast also indicated the snow could be followed by a large amount of mid-winter rain in the Sierra, not ideal for the snowpack.
"Still precipitation in the forecast is always better than not having any," the snow lab said, "so we'll take the win where we can get it!"
The next snow survey is scheduled for February 3.
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