"Snow-surveying crews across the Sierra are seeing bad news up close this week. California has about half a snowpack."

"Skiing, snowshoeing or riding helicopters, the crews are making their way to high-elevation meadows for the most important snow measurement of the year.

April 1 is the unofficial end of the snowfall season -- this year, following a miserably dry January, February and March. City officials, industry leaders and farmers will get a good idea of how much water to expect when the snow melts.

Reports won't be finished for a few days, but California already has reason to be disappointed. Big storms of November and December built the snowpack to 140% of average on Jan. 1. Now automated snow sensors show it is 54%."

Mark Grossi reports for the Fresno BeeMarch 26, 2013. [2]