California’s snowpack sits above average for a second year as the state enters warmer months.
The Department of Water Resources conducted its final snow survey of the year at the Phillips snow station, revealing significant improvements after a dry start to the water year. “The manual survey recorded 64 inches of snow depth and a snow water equivalent of 27.5 inches, which is 113 percent of average.”
The vital snow survey, which gauges the state’s drought outlook for the remainder of the year, was also attended by Governor Gavin Newsom. It revealed the state’s water plan update, as a focus is turned toward forecasting spring snowmelt runoff and capturing as much water as possible for future use.
California Water Plan Update 2023 lays out a path toward its vision through seven objectives:
Support watershed resilience planning and implementation – The State will prioritize actions, programs, and funding so local communities can improve and accelerate climate resilience planning and implementation in their watersheds.
Improve resiliency of “backbone” State, federal, and regional built water infrastructure – As built infrastructure ages, it must become more resilient to adapt its operations for climate change, be better integrated with other systems, and improve information sharing.
Improve resiliency of natural “backbone” infrastructure – Built infrastructure relies on natural infrastructure, such as rivers, lakes, groundwater basins, and more. Improving resilience means faster ecosystem restoration and identifying key ecosystems and groundwater basins.
Advance equitable outcomes in water management – Resilience for California means resilience for all. However, inequities exist in California’s institutional systems. Recommendations include improving community outreach, engagement, and access to State assistance programs.
Support and learn from Tribal water and resource management practices. California Native American Tribes have a history of sustainable management of water and other resources. We must support and learn from Tribal water management practices and help Tribal communities address ongoing challenges like access to funding, engagement, and water rights issues.
Support and increase flexibility of regulatory systems – Regulatory programs that are flexible and adaptable to meet the challenges of changing hydrology must be supported.
Provide guidance and support continued resources for implementing actions toward water resilience. Sustainable resources such as funding at the local, state, and federal levels are needed to develop statewide and watershed resilience. This objective’s recommendations align resources with the needs of California water management.
