BISHOP, CA (Feb. 20, 2019) – As of February 19, 2019, the Sierra Nevada snowpack is 165 percent of normal, which will likely translate into above average runoff come spring. As part of Los Angeles Department of Water and Power’s (LADWP) operations for this time each year, LADWP water system crews are preparing the aqueduct system by clearing drainage areas, analyzing snow pillows and assessing the overall system.
Additionally, operation efforts are underway spreading water in the Big Pine area and from the Owens River into the McNally Canals. These steps are necessary to optimally manage water storage in Crowley Reservoir, which will help control potential high runoff during the spring. Current water spreading activities are based on operational needs, and ongoing weather conditions are a factor in determining water management efforts. Other factors include infrastructure capabilities, water storage capacity throughout the aqueduct system, current water demands, as well as protection against flooding across the region which includes not only LADWP property but private, state, and federal properties as well.
We will continue to keep residents in the Eastern Sierra informed through additional updates as conditions and operations progress.
###
