The winter snowpack started accumulating later than usual in California, but a series of early-season storms have pushed totals above average for this time of year. With multiple storm fronts forecast to sweep through Northern California in the coming days, the northernmost regions of the Sierra Nevada have already seen snowpack levels well above what is typical for this time of year. The range’s regions further south, meanwhile, are around or below average, in a pattern that aligns with a developing La Niña. As of Thursday, the California snowpack was 101% of the Dec. 12 normal, according to data from the statewide cooperative snow surveys. The northern Sierra Nevada and Trinity alps were at 156% of the Dec. 12 normal, while the central (70%) and southern Sierra Nevada (104%) were at or below average. The disparity between the southern and northern parts of the state could persist as the La Niña weather pattern exerts its influence.

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