State water officials are optimistic despite 'gloomy' California snowpack survey

Snowpack in the resort town of Phillips, Calif., measured just 53% of the seasonal average on Tuesday, but water officials said there was still reason for optimism as the state enters its sixth year of drought. 

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The statewide snowpack measurement is somewhat better — 70% of the seasonal average — but still nowhere near last year’s measurement of 105% of average for this time of year.

The situation is likely to improve very soon, however, as even more snow is on the way, according to the National Weather Service.

A pair of Northern California storms — the first on Wednesday followed by another on Saturday — are expected to drench mountains and valleys through early next week.