According to the California Dept. of Water Resources, the amount of water stored in the state's snowpack is about 44.7 inches, or 190% above average for this date.
Given the near-historic amount of snow that recently has been dumped in California, my question is this: When the snow melts, which most of it will, how much of the runoff will be captured to mitigate the state's drought (instead of rushing down storm drains and eventually finding its way into the mighty Pacific)?
Last I heard, as much as 40% of runoff ends up in the ocean. Imagine if that figure could be cut to 30% or less. I'm not certain that goal can be achieved this year, but I do know any water savings now will help here in still-parched California.
Do you have something to add about the snowpack vs. the drought? If so, feel free to send me your thoughts.
-DF
Yours truly took the photo above near the intersection of Laguna Canyon Rd. and the 405 Fwy.
Yes, I agree. Unfortunately it will probably take a few more wet winters before they figure it out.
That is a lot to hope for in California.