Industry News
We talked to Randall Osterhuber at the UC Berkeley’s Central Sierra Snow Laboratory at 7,000-feet on Donner Summit, CA. Â Randall and his team keep the most accurate records of Tahoe snowpack, snowfall totals, and more.
2015/16 Tahoe Snow Numbers:
- 368″ of snowfall this winter which =Â 91% of average to date
- 65″ of precipitation this winter which = 107% of average to date
These numbers come from within the current California Water Year which goes from Oct. 1st – Oct. 1st.
California’s statewide snowpack is currently sitting at only 44% of average to date. Â That’s way below average…
Keepep in mind the snowlab’s elevation, which sits at 7000 feet. Squaw reports snow just below High Camp, at about 8000 feet. Sugar Bowl reports snow from the summit of Mt Lincoln, at 8400 feet. Squaw’s cumulative season snowfall at 8000 is 491″, and at 6200 at the base is 255″. So 368″ halfway between those two fits in pretty darn well.
But Northstar Said they had 400+ inches… more snow than almost anyone!
I trust northstar more, they are way more scientific than Randall!
Ski area snowfall at higher elevation will be closer to the 107% of average precipitation.
The early April hot spell really took down the snowpack even though the past 3 weeks have been cooler with some new snow.
Amazing how different the snow lab totals are and local resort totals. #Marketing