Sierra Nevada snowpack above average to start the year, a promising sign for state water supplies

California’s water outlook for 2025 is beginning on a positive note.

The statewide Sierra Nevada snowpack — which provides nearly one-third of California’s water supply — on Thursday was 108% of its historic average for Jan. 2, following a series of atmospheric river storms in the northern part of the state in late November and mid-December that boosted snow amounts and provided welcome conditions for skiers.

Add to that, California’s reservoirs are currently in better shape than normal.