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SACRAMENTO, Calif. – The California Department of Water Resources (DWR) will conduct the fourth Phillips Station snow survey of the season on Friday, March 28, 2025 at 10 a.m. ahead of atmospheric river storm activity next week. This event invites members of the media to join DWR staff as they measure the April water content in the snowpack, a key indicator for future water supply. The April snow survey is considered the most important as it’s typically the peak of the seasonal snowpack.
Staff from DWR's Snow Surveys and Water Supply Forecasting Unit will provide the latest measurements and how they compare to previous years as well as discuss the importance of the April snow survey for our water supply forecasting. DWR representatives will also take questions from the media.
DWR is asking credentialed media outlets to RSVP prior to the event by emailing jason.ince@water.ca.gov.
WHEN: Friday, March 28, 2025, 10:00 a.m.
WHERE: Phillips Station, Intersection of US 50 and Sierra-at-Tahoe Road (directions below)
WHO: California Department of Water Resources
Due to anticipated interest in the April measurement, parking is expected to be limited. Winter Conditions are expected.
The event will also stream live on DWR’s YouTube page and FaceBook page. For media unable to attend the in-person snow survey, DWR will host a media briefing via Zoom at 1 p.m. on March 28 with DWR experts to discuss the survey results and how this data impacts water supply decisions. Spanish interpretation will be provided.
Zoom Media Briefing on Snow Survey Results:
WHEN: March 28, 1:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m.
WHERE: Via Zoom, Register here.
WHO: California Department of Water Resources
Additionally, recorded video and photos of the survey, along with staff comments and a recording of the 1:00 p.m. Media Briefing will be made available the afternoon of March 28.
The Phillips Station snow course is one of more than 260 snow courses across the Sierra Nevada that DWR manually measures each winter and early spring. Data collected from the monthly snow surveys help determine the amount of water that will melt and run off to state reservoirs during warmer months. The information is critical to the water managers who allocate California’s natural water resources to regions downstream.
Directions and Instructions for Media
- Be prepared for mountain/winter driving conditions. Chains and 4WD with snow tires may be required.
- The Phillips Station snow course is located on private property. Media should not arrive before 9 a.m. per landowner’s restrictions. Early arrivals may be towed.
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Arrival at Phillips by 9:30 a.m. will allow time for parking in the designated location on Highway 50. Approved parking areas are designated in the maps below. No parking is allowed along Sierra-at-Tahoe Road.
- Access to the snow course behind the landowner’s home will not be allowed prior to event. Violators may be asked to leave.
Map (below) shows location of home and snow course. Limited media parking available along Highway 50 in areas designated on map.
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