Mammoth Lakes, California – The Mammoth Community Water District (District) welcomed snowfall brought to the Eastern Sierra by recent storms. The District stores water in Lake Mary which is filled as the snowpack melts in spring/summer. In addition to this surface water supply, adequate snowpack and runoff is essential for recharging the groundwater aquifer. District staff utilizes snow pillow data and snow surveys completed by hydrographers to assess water availability for the year.

“I am optimistic that we will have an adequate water supply this year, but it is too early to say with any certainty what level of conservation measures will be required to support water deliveries this summer,” states Clay Murray, Operations Superintendent. “We have to wait and see what the rest of the season brings as it relates to the April 1 snowpack measurement and groundwater aquifer recharge.”

The weighted average of the Owens Valley snow pillows is off to a marginal start at 29% of normal to date, which is only 17% of the April 1st average. Specifically, the Mammoth Pass snow pillow indicates water content is above the Owens Valley at 44% of normal to date, and 24% of the normal Apil 1 conditions.
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