California's Snowpack Brings Flood Risks and Summer Skiing Opportunities.
TL;DR
California's record snowpack, which is a boon for drought conditions, raises concerns for flooding downstream, where flows converge. The snowmelt runoff forecasts for the April-to-July period range from 265% of average in the Kings River watershed to an “absurdly high” 422% of average in the Kern River watershed. Flood control systems on the San Joaquin watershed are just not as robust as they are on the Sacramento, and smaller reservoirs in the San Joaquin Valley do not have ample room for storage. A prolonged spring heatwave or a rain-on-snow event due to a warm atmospheric river could speed up snowmelt and amplify flood risks.
- California's record snowpack raises huge flood risks. Here's where San Francisco Chronicle
- You'll be able to ski this summer in California after historic snow The Washington Post
- 'Very, very dangerous': These parts of California face flood risk from snowmelt, spring sun Los Angeles Times
- California officials warn of 'incapacitating' river flooding SFGATE
- Latest measurements show record-breaking snowpack | Serving Carson City for over 150 years Nevada Appeal
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