Unseasonably warm temperatures are causing the Sierra Nevada snowpack to diminish much faster than normal this spring. The snowpack, which usually peaks around April 1, is already in significant decline.
The rapid melt is visible along the Owens River near Mammoth Lakes in Mono County. This accelerated thaw poses concerns for California's summer water supply, which depends on steady snowmelt.
The early and fast melt could lead to water management challenges later in the year.