Sierra Nevada Snowpack Plummets to 18% of Normal

Second-lowest April 1 reading on record, but reservoirs remain full after three wet winters

Apr. 1, 2026 at 5:52pm

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California's Sierra Nevada snowpack, which provides one-third of the state's water supply, has plummeted to just 18% of its historical average as of April 1, the second-lowest reading on record. The dramatic melt-off is due to a record-breaking heat wave in March, but water managers say drought conditions are unlikely this year thanks to full reservoirs from the past three wet winters.

Why it matters

The Sierra Nevada snowpack is a critical water source for California, and its rapid decline highlights the growing impact of climate change on the state's water resources. While reservoirs are currently full, the lack of snowmelt could strain water supplies later in the year and increase fire risk in the Sierra Nevada region.

The details

The Sierra Nevada snowpack, which normally provides about one-third of California's water supply, measured just 18% of its historical average on April 1, 2026. This is the second-lowest reading on record, with the only lower reading being 5% in 2015 during the state's severe drought. The dramatic melt-off was caused by a record-breaking heat wave in March that rapidly melted much of the snow that had accumulated earlier in the winter.

  • The Sierra Nevada snowpack is traditionally measured on April 1, which marks the end of the winter rainy season and provides water managers with a clear idea of how much water to expect for the rest of the year.
  • Last year, on April 1, 2025, the statewide Sierra Nevada snowpack was 96% of normal.
  • In 2024, the snowpack was 111% of normal on April 1.
  • In 2023, the snowpack was an impressive 237% of normal on April 1, the highest in 40 years.

The players

Jeffrey Mount

A professor emeritus at UC Davis and senior fellow at the Public Policy Institute of California's water center.

Matt Keller

A spokesman for the Santa Clara Valley Water District, which provides drinking water and flood protection to 2 million people in Santa Clara County.

Jerry Brown

The former governor of California who announced sweeping statewide water restrictions during the 2015 drought.

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What they’re saying

“The good news is that most reservoirs are at or above their historic averages. But our whole water system was designed around the mid-20th century climate, which relies on having snowpack. And this year nature took it away.”

— Jeffrey Mount, Professor Emeritus, UC Davis

“Because of the last three years we're OK this summer. But after that it's wait and see.”

— Matt Keller, Spokesman, Santa Clara Valley Water District

What’s next

Water managers say the state won't face drought conditions and water shortages this summer, but they are closely watching the forecast for next winter. If next winter is dry, the lack of snowpack could lead to potential drought conditions by next spring.

The takeaway

This year's dramatic decline in Sierra Nevada snowpack underscores the growing threat of climate change to California's water supply. While reservoirs are currently full, the state will need to invest in new water storage and conservation measures to adapt to the new reality of earlier snowmelt and more unpredictable precipitation patterns.