Sierra Nevada Snowpack

The Sierra Nevada snowpack is the accumulation of snow that falls and compacts on the mountains during winter. It acts as a natural reservoir, storing water that melts gradually through spring and summer, supplying rivers, lakes, and groundwater. The size of the snowpack varies yearly, depending on weather conditions, and is an essential part of the region's water supply for agriculture, cities, and ecosystems. Monitoring snowpack levels helps manage water resources and predicts drought conditions, making it a critical indicator of the health and future availability of water in the western United States.