California’s mountains are experiencing heavy snowfall, with more on the way, as rain batters Southern California. Winter storm alerts are in place for the Sierra Nevada and Southern California’s mountain ranges until Tuesday afternoon.
The Sierras have already seen over two feet of snow this week, with several more inches expected by Tuesday. In Southern California, the heaviest snow is expected to hit the highest elevations of the San Gabriel, Ventura County, and San Bernardino mountains.
Travelers may face challenging conditions, with heavy, wet snow reaching pass level. The National Weather Service warns of “very difficult-to-impossible” travel conditions. The heavy snow, however, is essential for California’s snowpack, which has been affected by warmth and rain.
California’s snowpack is a crucial water source, and the survey conducted by the state’s Department of Water Resources helps forecast the water availability for the rest of the year. This winter’s snowpack was reported to be just 52% of the average for this time of year, highlighting the importance of the current snowfall in replenishing the snowpack.
The heavy snowfall in California’s mountains not only poses travel challenges but also provides essential replenishment for the state’s water supply. As the winter storm continues, officials will closely monitor the impact of the snowfall on the region’s water reservoirs and the overall water supply for the year.