California Snowpack Drops to 18% of Average as Western Drought Expands

Context Airborne Snow Observatories uses Lidar technology to measure snow depth from aircraft. The system fires about 800,000 laser pulses per second, creating a 3D map accurate to within 3 centimeters. This data translates snow volume into expected water runoff for reservoirs and farms.

Key Facts On April 1, California’s statewide snowpack stood at 18% of the long‑term average, a record low for the date. Tom Painter, CEO of Airborne Snow Observatories, said that in March the water supply shut off across the entire western United States. The US Drought Monitor reports that more than 60% of the lower 48 states are currently in drought, the widest spring dry spell since the monitor began in 2000.

What It Means The early melt reduces reservoir inflow, leaving major systems like the Colorado River with less replenishment and extending the dry season. Dry landscapes increase wildfire ignition potential, especially across the broad drought‑affected area. Water managers will need to adjust allocations and consider supplemental sources. Watch for updates on reservoir levels and fire outlook through the summer months.