Central Sierra water content 20 percent of normal

 Though it may not surprise many Mother Lode residents, a new state survey has found that the Sierra Nevada snowpack is well below normal for this time of year.

California water managers say snow levels are just 37 percent of normal. The California Department of Water Resources’ Feb. 1 snow survey found the amount recorded statewide is 23 percent of what’s typically measured on April 1, when the snowmelt begins.

In the Central Sierra — including Calaveras and Tuolumne counties — the snowpack water content is just 20 percent of the April 1 average. Measurements taken Tuesday show the snowpack as thin as 3.5 inches near South Lake Tahoe.

The DWR says reservoirs are still full from last spring’s snowmelt, so the 29 agencies that depend on the state’s system of aqueducts can expect 60 percent of the amount requested. The system supplies 25 million Californians.

 Last year’s record storms allowed the state to deliver 80 percent of the requests.

 Dodge Ridge Ski Area near Pinecrest remains open with 10 to 13 inches of snow and nine chairlifts, rope tows and conveyors in operation.

Bear Valley Ski Resort on upper Highway 4 is open with a base of 24 inches. Both the front and back sides of the mountain are open, with lifts operating as conditions permit.