After shortfalls, snowpack levels in Nevada are on the rise. But continued deficits and uneven distribution across the state could still pose problems, including risks to drinking water and irrigation.
What’s happening?
Nevada’s snowpack — layers of snow that have built up over multiple storms — is lacking as of March. Even after storms late last month improved the situation, the season’s insufficient snowfall and warmer temperatures mean the state is still playing catch-up.
“Snowpack across the Sierra Nevada mountains and the Upper Colorado Basin — two major water sources for Reno and Las Vegas, respectively — have remained below normal for this time of year,” the Nevada Current reported .
The outlet predicted that “there is less than a 10% chance the Upper Colorado will reach a normal peak snowpack by early April.”
Why is a reduced snowpack concerning?
Snowpack is one of the primary sources of water, especially for many areas in the western United States. Supplies for not only drinking water but for irrigation and hydropower rely on this source…