Snowpack measures just 20% of normal in the Sierra

Those who live in the Sierra Nevada already know about the minimal snowpack and the monthly snow survey conducted near Sierra-at-Tahoe showed just that.

The water content of the snow for the state as a whole is at 19% of the average for this time of year, with the central Sierras at 20% of average.

California is getting close to a record that isn't necessarily one aims for: the most parched winter since records starting being kept in 1950. 2015 is neck and neck with 1977 (25% of average on March 1) and 1991 (18% of average on March 1) for the record. The last snowpack measurement will take place in 30 days. Is there a Miracle March in store?

White skiers and boarders were thrilled last weekend, it was also hopeful that the storm would help with totals, but California snow levels in the Sierra Nevada are at or below what they were during the biggest drought years in the past.

Frank Gehrke, chief of the California Cooperative Snow Surveys Program, said there were 6.7 inches of snow on the ground at the survey spot on Tuesday. During the Jan. 29, 2015 measurement there was 2.3 inches at the same location.