LADWP Releases Official April 1 Snowpack Results and Mono Lake Levels
LOS ANGELES (April 5, 2017) — The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) measures the Eastern Sierra Snowpack and Mono Lake water elevation each April 1 in order to determine runoff and export projections for the LA Aqueduct System. This year, LADWP’s measurements show snowpack levels at 203 percent of normal.
The snowpack level falls short of breaking the record set in the area in 1969 but is about even with the second wettest year on record, 1983. While the wet winter is good news for the drought stricken region, the anticipated runoff from this year’s massive snowpack prompted the Los Angeles Mayor and Inyo County Supervisors to issue emergency declarations last month in an effort to prepare for the anticipated flood damage that may come as a result of the heightened flows.
The April 1 reading of Mono Lake’s water elevation showed the lake at 6,378 feet above sea level this level is expected to rise further as snowmelt continues.
Due to high flows in the Owens River and tributary creeks and streams, LADWP advises the public to exercise caution when recreating near waterways in the Owens Valley this year. These extremely high water levels can cause strong currents which may pose a safety hazard.
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