Record Heat Causes Early Snow Melt in California's Sierra Nevada
California's Sierra Nevada snowpack, expected to peak on April 1, has significantly melted due to record-breaking heat in March. State surveyors found minimal snow during their final survey, with the snowpack at just 18% of average, marking the second smallest since 1950. This early melt is attributed to climate change, which is causing earlier runoff and compounding water issues in California and other Western states. The rapid snow loss is affecting water availability and increasing wildfire risks, as forests dry out earlier than usual. Despite the snowpack's decline, major reservoirs in Northern California remain nearly full due to previous wet years. 
