On Jan. 30, 2026, the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) conducted its second snow survey of the season in the Sierra Nevada. They found snowpack levels at 59% of average for this time of year.
The Sierra Nevada snowpack is a critical component of Santa Clara County’s water supply. Approximately half the water used in our county originates in the Sierra Nevada. Historically, the months with the most snowfall are January, February and March.
While snowpack levels are below average, DWR recently increased the State Water Project allocation for 2026 to 30% of requested supplies, up from the initial allocation of 10%. For Valley Water, this increase represents approximately 20,000 acre-feet of water for Santa Clara County.
DWR attributed the higher allocation to storms that occurred in mid-December. Major reservoirs statewide are currently 126% of average.
Valley Water gets imported water through contracts with the Bureau of Reclamation’s Central Valley Project and the State Water Project. The initial CVP allocation is expected to be announced in late February. The final allocations are typically determined in late spring.
Photo info: Snow blankets the meadow where the California Department of Water Resources conducted the second media snow survey of the 2026 season at Phillips Station in the Sierra Nevada. Photo courtesy of Andrew Nixon / California Department of Water Resources.