Gentlemen, I believe partly the issue here is where “normal” is measured. The Sierra snow water content for the state is currently a bit above the April 1 average, particularly in the central region as a whole (133%): http://cdec.water.ca.gov/reportapp/j...?name=PLOT_SWC
Furthermore the average for this date is obviously higher (now over 160% iirc), however when you look at basin specifics there is a wide variance as there always is. Within the Truckee basin itself there is also wide variance even: from as low as 106% at the Squaw Valley station to as high as 160% at Independance camp. So depending on where you check, and how you are checking there are substantially different numbers. We still have a bit to go, so it’s all still speculation at this point but it’s looking very positive so far. I like to look at the snow water content figures as they are the most relevant numbers we can get for future stream flow outlook; but even with those numbers there are so many variables as to how it all eventually melts into the rivers. I am pretty hopeful so far...
I think we can all be happy that the fish are going to be getting some extra water this year, possibly a lot, possibly a little. Regardless of the exact numbers, or further speculations, this is a welcome change from recent years, and a much needed one for so many reasons! Maybe I’m missing something, but there are probably more meaningful things to debate here? I seem to recal that there never was proper consensus or closure on the pineapples on pizza controversy?
Full disclosure: I’ve moved around enough I don’t get to claim local status anywhere anymore, and my previous predictions regarding weather, runoff, and fishing conditions have been known to be wrong more than I’d like to admit.
JB