Snow survey teams from the Lassen National Forest recently compiled snow data information that is now available to the public. These surveys are conducted to determine the water content in the accumulated snowfall. The information is collected for the State of California and is used primarily for stream flow forecasting.
The following web site provides information on surveys taken throughout California:
http://cdec.water.ca.gov/cgi-progs/snowsurvey_sno/COURSES.
These tables contain the snow survey data taken at various locations around the Lassen. The April 1st averages shown in the tables are based on measurements from 1951-2000 and are given for comparison purposes. April 1st is the date that historically reflects the magnitude of the snowpack at or near the maximum seasonal accumulation.
Regarding the survey results, Forest Public Affairs Officer Heidi Perry-McCourt says, “We started off fall with lots of rain and received good, heavy snow during the early winter. But so far, the area is experiencing an unusually warm spring, which means snow is melting off faster than anticipated and things are drying out fairly quickly.”
Perry-McCourt added that we will need spring rains to help alleviate dry conditions.
