2026 Snowpack Outlook: Forecasting Our Water Future


LADWP Hydrographers Conduct First Snow Survey

Snowmelt runoff is a core component of the water cycle and marks an important transition in our hydrological year, where stored winter snow melts into rivers, streams, creeks, reservoirs, and groundwater basins. For more than 100 years, the Los Angeles Aqueduct (LAA) has delivered water to Angelenos. Today it provides reliable clean water to almost 4 million residents. The LAA system is Los Angeles' most affordable, environmentally protected, and energy efficient water source.

This month, our hydrographers entered into the Eastern Sierra backcountry and conducted the first snow survey of the season. Every year, snow surveys begin on February 1 and continue monthly through April 1. During the final snow survey of the season in April, which marks the end of the water runoff year, LADWP also measures the surface elevation of Mono Lake. This lake level reading, along with the annual snow surveys, provides essential data that supports forecasting and informs water deliveries to the City of Los Angeles.


As of February 10, 2026


LADWP Eastern Sierra Current Snowpack Conditions reported:


• 11.1" of water content


• 100% of normal to date


•62% normal of a typical water year ending April 1


What is Snow Surveying?


Snow surveying is a century-old practice that measures snow depth to determine its water content, helping predict runoff and provide a reliable water supply forecast. Snow depths are measured at four Eastern Sierra basins: Cottonwood Canyon, Big Pine Canyon, Rock Creek and Mammoth Pass. Markers are placed at specific locations and are regularly checked for snow levels and water content.

Snow surveying is carried out by skilled LADWP hydrographers, experts in snow sampling techniques, cross country travel, avalanche safety, first aid, and mountain survival. This work plays a vital role in forecasting and shaping our water future by providing the science-based snow measurements needed to plan for the year ahead.

Adapting to Climate Conditions


Snow surveying is especially crucial in the context of climate change. Reliable forecasts are essential for preparing and managing our water resources. No snowpack is ever identical to the year before, requiring significant expertise to stay responsive and adapt to shifting conditions, ensuring long-term water reliability.

When we keep an eye on the snow, we get a head start on making sure our water future is responsible and sustainable for the year to come. Discover how LADWP hydrographers conduct snow surveys out in the field in this video. https://sierrawave.net/2026-snowpack-outlook-forecasting-our-water-future-ladwp-hydrographers-conduct-first-snow-survey/