From The Sentinel – Results of recent DWR snow survey. Statewide, the snowpack is 153 percent of average for this date, thanks to several atmospheric rivers that blanketed the Sierra Nevada with snow during the month of February. According to DWR data, 150 percent of average or higher snowpack has been recorded only a handful of times since 1980. The results show a notable improvement since the last Phillips Station survey on Jan. 31, when measurements revealed a snow water equivalent of 18 inches. Snow water equivalent is the depth of water that theoretically would result if the entire snowpack melted instantaneously. It’s a tool used by water managers across the state to estimate anticipated spring runoff. Current conditions stand in stark contrast to this time last year when the snow depth was only 13.5 inches and the snow water equivalent was just 1.5 inches. (more)