When to Look for Snowpack Predictions?

[BSquared]

How early do people start prognosticating on the ultimate state of the Sierra snowpack for a given year, where can I find these predictions, and how good are they likely to be for trip planning this far out? I'm guessing it's really hard to know much until at least March or April? The "Executive Summary" at http://cdec.water.ca.gov/cgi-progs/reports/EXECSUM suggests we're running very close to "normal" so far...

-B2

[dmatt]

snow pack predictions are always an issue and many experts start predicting as early as november. however, most of those experts can be off by quite a bit, becasue mother nature always does what she wants. right now i am saying we will have another normal to slighty above normal year. when all this snow will arrive is anybodies quess, but most of it will come from mid to late december through february. we are off to a late, but real good start.

dennis

[BSquared]

Thanks, Dennis. Is that Department of Water Resources site the best one to look at for overall snow cover as the winter progresses?

-B2

[dmatt]

yes that site is a good as any; remember that the amount to snow cover varies GREATLY from location to location in the sierra.

dennis