California's snowpack could be second-lowest on record after record heat in March

California's snowpack could be the second-lowest on record after a hot March, state water officials said on Wednesday.

The California Department of Water Resources conducted a snow survey on Wednesday at Phillips Station in El Dorado County, finding there was no measurable snow after record temperatures in March melted this year's snowpack months ahead of schedule. 

Water officials said Wednesday's findings mark the second-lowest April measurement on record at Phillips Station. The lowest reading was in 2015 when there was no snow on the ground. 

Water officials said there were still more surveys happening across the Sierra Nevada, but early data signals this year's snowpack will be the second-lowest on record. 

April's measurement is critical for water managers across the state, as it's usually when the state's snowpack is at its peak. 

"What should be gradual snowmelt happened suddenly weeks ago," said Karla Nemeth, the DWR director. "To me, this is another reminder that aging water systems need to be retrofit for more volatile precipitation patterns. We're seeing fewer, warmer storms and shorter wet seasons." 

The statewide snowpack was at 18% of normal for April 1, whereas the northern Sierra Nevada was recorded at 6%, the DWR said. Automated sensors indicate this year's snowpack likely reached its peak on or near Feb. 24. 

Andy Reising, the manager of DWR's snow surveys and water supply forecasting unit, added that many parts of the state saw near-average precipitation, but much of it was rain instead of snow. 

A storm system moving through the area is bringing snow to parts of the Sierra Nevada, but water officials said that snow is not expected to make up what was lost last month. 

Due to the heatwave in March, the DWR said it added 100 mid-month surveys and has been working with other agencies to provide information about how to manage the state's water supply.