Mendocino forest's snow boon

The moisture content of the snow at Anthony Peak in the Mendocino National Forest is a whopping 156 percent of normal, according to the first spring measurements.

Federal hydrologist Robin Mowry said the measurements are more than twice last year’s totals, a big bonus for regional watersheds, hydroelectric power facilities, and streams and rivers dependent on a healthy spring run-off.

“Mother Nature has been good to us,” Mowry said.

Anthony Peak is in the geographic center of the 913,3060-acre national forest, which is the only one in California not crossed by a paved road or highway.

Mowry said a month ago the accumulated snow at Anthony Peak, where measures have been taken since 1944, was so deep that a state and federal team was unable to get in to take measurements. But the team finally made it and recorded 10 feet of snow at the maximum. A year ago, snow depth was 57 inches while normal is 61 inches.

For water content, the recent survey found an average of about 38 inches, compared to a normal of 25 inches.

The next survey is scheduled for April 1, with the last taken in early May. The state Department of Water Resources uses information gathered at Anthony Peak and measuring points statewide to forecast water runoff for agriculture, power generation and stream flow.

You can reach Staff Writer Mike Geniella at 462-6470 or mgeniella@pressdemocrat.com.