Grass Valley, CA., March 5, 2026 — Nevada Irrigation District’s (NID) March snow survey shows that despite a strong February storm, warm temperatures have reduced the Sierra snowpack to below-average levels.

NID hydrographers measured the snowpack at 65 percent of the historical average with an average snow water content of 18.4 inches across the District’s five snow courses. By comparison, the historical water content average is 28.1 inches.

“The second half of February provided some much-needed precipitation and snow to our high-elevation watershed,” said NID Water Resources Superintendent Thor Larsen. “Despite above-average precipitation in February and increases to the snowpack, conditions remain below average for this time of year.”

Larsen noted that while the snowpack is lagging, reservoir storage remains strong heading into the irrigation season. As of Feb. 28, total NID reservoir storage measured 252,551 acre-feet, which is 94 percent of capacity and 119 percent of average for the date.

February precipitation totaled 15.15 inches, exceeding the historical monthly average of 10.67 inches.

NID hydrographers take a snow measurement on the Bowman snow course.
NID hydrographers take a snow measurement on the Bowman snow course.

NID conducts snow surveys at multiple elevations that feed the District’s raw and treated water systems. The measurements for the March survey were:

  • Webber Peak (7,800 ft): 58.1″ snow, 21.6″ water content (Feb. 26)
  • English Mountain (7,100 ft): 54.4″ snow, 28.9″ water content (Feb. 26)
  • Webber Lake (7,000 ft): 58.1″ snow, 21.6″ water content (Feb. 26)
  • Findley Peak (6,500 ft): 34.4″ snow, 12.9″ water content (Feb. 26)
  • Bowman Reservoir (5,650 ft): 29.6″ snow, 11.3″ water content (Feb. 26)
  • Chalk Bluff (4,850 ft, Deer Creek watershed): 31″ snow, 7.6″ water content (Feb. 23; not included in District average)

Snow water equivalent, which is the amount of water stored in the snowpack, is a key indicator used by water managers to forecast seasonal water supplies. NID participates in the California Cooperative Snow Survey, and its measurements contribute to statewide water-supply forecasting.

Track NID river and reservoir conditions on the District’s data page.