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Why California's reservoir numbers don't show the whole story

No major change in reservoir numbers are expected until snowpack runoff in the Spring

CALIFORNIA, USA — Major winter storms have dumped quite a bit of rain and snow across Northern California.

The state's reservoir averages for Tuesday show Oroville at 59% of average Folsom at 94%, Don Pedro at 76%, New Melones at 76%, and Shasta at 50%. 

However, reservoir numbers don't make significant movement when major storms have moved through the area.  It's when the snow begins to melt in the late spring and early summer that area reservoirs will reveal just how much water content is in the snowpack.

Some of the latest storm totals from Dec. 12 to Dec. 14 are available below.

  • Palisades Tahoe -- 60"
  • Sugar Bowl -- 58"
  • Boreal -- 52"
  • Kingvale -- 48"
  • Grass Valley -- 10"
Credit: ABC 10

Outside of snowfall, Northern California picked up quite a bit of rainfall since the beginning of the water year on Oct. 1. 

  • Sacramento: 10.15" 
  • Stockton: 5.79"
  • Modesto: 5.22"
  • Redding:  10.16"
Credit: ABC 10

Departures from average show a nice surplus for the Sacramento Valley.

  • Sacramento:  +6.63
  • Stockton:  +2.75
  • Modesto:  +2.75
  • Redding:  +2.10
Credit: ABC 10

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