Snowpack Measured at an average 27 percent of normal.

The last time California officials conducted their snow survey near Echo Summit, a month ago, the ground was practically barren.

This time there was snow. Just not a lot of it.

The Department of Water Resources’ monthly snow survey at Phillips Station revealed a meager 13.6 inches of snow, or 14 percent of historical average. It was the latest evidence of a dry winter that has conjured up fears of another drought.

The results from Phillips, which sits at an elevation of 6,800 feet, are roughly in line with snow measurements taken elsewhere in the Sierra Nevada. The statewide snowpack is at an average 27 percent of normal, according to DWR statistics.

State officials say it’s far too early to worry about another drought. Last winter’s record rain and snow left most of California’s reservoirs brimming with water, providing a cushion for this year. Gehrke, meanwhile, held out hope that this winter could turn wet at some point.

“There’s still a lot of the winter left,” he said. “Anything can happen as we move through the rest of the season.”

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