Three field researchers in blue jackets conduct a snow survey, measuring snow depth and recording data in a snowy mountain meadow surrounded by pine trees and partially burned forest slopes.
(L-R) Snow Survey and Water Supply Forecasting Unit Manager Andy Reising, Hydrometerologist Angelique Fabbiani-Leon and California Department of Water Resources Engineer Jacob Kollen conduct the second media snow survey of the 2026 season in Phillips Station, Calif., on Friday, Jan. 30, 2026. The snow survey is held approximately 90 miles east of Sacramento off Highway 50 in El Dorado County up in the Sierra Nevada mountain range. (Sara Nevis / California Department of Water Resources via Bay City News)

SACRAMENTO, 1/31/26 – Dry January wasn’t just a sober month for people looking to start the year out on a healthy note, it also pretty accurately describes California’s precipitation levels so far in 2026.

The state’s Department of Water Resources on Friday conducted the second snow survey of the rainy season at dozens of locations in the Sierra Nevada and found that the snowpack is 59% of average for this date.

Continue reading for FREE

We just want to make sure you’re a human! Sign in to keep reading and receive our weekday newsletter in your inbox.

Or

Privacy Policy

Success! Your account was created and you’re signed in.
Please visit My Account to manage your account.

Kiley Russell writes primarily for Local News Matters on issues related to equity and the environment. A Bay Area native, he has lived most of his life in Oakland. He studied journalism at San Francisco...