In The News – How much water is in the snow? This winter’s numbers raise concerns
February 6, 2026 | Member Submitted
Originally published in the Tahoe Daily Tribune, 2/6/2026, Written by Petra Molina
Most people in Tahoe would agree the Sierra Nevada snowpack is one of California’s most valuable natural resources. For some, that value is tied to powder days and packed parking lots at ski resorts. In reality, the snowpack’s importance extends far beyond winter recreation.
Skiers and snowboarders care about depth and quality. Hydrologists — and anyone who relies on Sierra snowmelt — focus on something else: how much water the snow actually holds. That measurement is known as snow water equivalent, or SWE.
On average, the Sierra snowpack supplies about 30% of California’s annual water needs. Its ability to store precipitation through the winter and release it gradually in spring is why it’s often called the state’s “frozen reservoir.”