California might be in drought year for summer and fall and potential fires because only 18% of normal Snowpack remains

 There was a blazing hot March week that made everything melt. For example, even yesterday I went up to 6900 feet at Bunny Flat and it was 59 degrees which is basically unheard of at that altitude for this time of year. So, it's likely all the snow on Shasta will be gone by June at the latest. The same might be true of all the snowpack in the Sierras too. This is now the 2nd lowest snowpack in California since the 1950s which is a water disaster for the state. However, reservoirs might help some if they hold what water we have so people still have water throughout the state in the summer and fall until the next rains come.

however, it is true it will rain for several days here in Mt. Shasta area from about Wednesday through Friday so there is some potential for snow on MT. Shasta from this too mostly above 6000 feet in elevation depending upon the temperatures.

Everything is changing this year regarding water in California!

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As of the critical April 1, 2026, survey, California's statewide snowpack is

18% of the average for that date. Record-hot March temperatures and, warm storms resulted in the second-lowest snowpack since the 1950s, with snow quickly melting. While northern regions saw the highest deficit (6% of average), overall levels are in critical condition. 

• Statewide Average (April 1): 18% of normal.
• Regional Variation: The northern Sierra, southern Cascades, and Klamath mountains are at 6% of the average.
• Context: This is the second-lowest snowpack in history, trailing only 2015.
• Reservoir Levels: Despite the low snowpack, major California reservoirs remain at 122% of average, offering a buffer. 

Despite the poor snowpack, this figure represents a rapid decline from the season's peak. The California Department of Water Resources report notes this has brought in one of the lowest water supply forecasts for the year. 

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