Recent storms boost early-season snowpack in the Sierra Nevada

December 31, 2025

A drone view of the meadow covered in snow where the California Department of Water Resources conducted the first media snow survey of the 2026 season at Phillips Station in the Sierra Nevada.

On Dec. 30, 2025, the California Department of Water Resources conducted its first snow survey of the season in the Sierra Nevada. Results show the snowpack is 71% of average for this time of year. On Dec. 22, the statewide snowpack was 15% of average.

The Sierra Nevada snowpack is a critical piece of Santa Clara County’s water supply. Approximately half the water used in our county originates in the Sierra Nevada. On average, the months with the largest snowfall are January, February, and March.

In Santa Clara County, more rain is forecasted through early January. Valley Water encourages the community to take actions and be flood ready. To learn more, visit valleywater.org/floodready.

Photo caption: A drone view of the meadow covered in snow where the California Department of Water Resources conducted the first media snow survey of the 2026 season at Phillips Station in the Sierra Nevada. Photo courtesy of Xavier Mascareñas / California Department of Water Resources.

Valley Water manages an integrated water resources system that includes the supply of clean, safe water, flood protection and stewardship of streams on behalf of Santa Clara County's 2 million residents. The district effectively manages 10 dams and surface water reservoirs, three water treatment plants, an advanced recycled water purification center, a state-of-the-art water quality laboratory, nearly 285 acres of groundwater recharge ponds and 333 miles of waterways. We provide wholesale water and groundwater management services to local municipalities and private water retailers who deliver drinking water directly to homes and businesses in Santa Clara County.