Satellite Images Document California's Rapidly Improving Snowpack
After months and months of skiing skinny skis, comparing the (dry) forecasts, and praying for just one more lift to open at your favorite resort, February has provided redemption for resorts across the Golden State.
It's not just in our heads. Colin McCarty of US Stormwatch reported that "California's snowpack has... jumped from a dismal 28% of normal on Jan 1st to 86% of normal today."
California's snowpack has made a fantastic comeback this winter jumping from a dismal 28% of normal on January 1 to 86% of normal today.
With more storms possible in early March it's possible we could see a 100% of normal snowpack by April 1! pic.twitter.com/oSYOnQWveP— Colin McCarthy (@US_Stormwatch) February 23, 2024
The changes become extremely noticeable when given a satellite view of the mountains such as we have here.
And the changes are certainly noticeable on a micro level, too: look around any California resort from December to now. Here at Palisades Tahoe, it is highly unlikely anyone would attempt Eagle's Nest (a hike-to line at the top of KT-22) without a solid foundation, and it has been skied many times this month.
Palisades Tahoe has a 118 inch base and has seen 225 inches so far this season on their upper mountain, and all resorts in the Lake Tahoe region are doing well this month as far as snowpack goes. Especially when considering how low tide things were until almost the end of January.
Further south, Mammoth Mountain has all of their lifts open, with a season total of 230 inches at Main Lodge.
Better yet, "with more storms possible in early March it's possible we could see a 100% of normal snowpack by April 1!"
Wouldn't that be amazing.
Related: Colorado's Steamboat Resort Wakes Up To 20 Inches Of Fresh
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