Drought cancels World Cup ski competition at Squaw Valley

[KamaAina]

http://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/Drought-cancels-World-Cup-ski-competition-at-6085291.php

The lack of snow in the Sierra has prompted the cancellation of a major stop on the international ski and snowboarding circuit.

The International Ski Federation’s World Cup skicross and snowboardcross competition will not be held March 4-8 at Squaw Valley Alpine Meadows, the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association announced on its website.

“Squaw Valley has just received more than two feet of snow, however the amount of snow needed to build the World Cup courses is significant,” the organization said....

A handful of smaller, low-lying ski resorts have taken the unprecedented step of closing mid-season because of the conditions. Many of the larger spots are relying on their snow-making capabilities to get by.

[antiquie]

1. No snow=no water

Snow Water Equivalents (inches)
February 17, 2015
Provided by the California Cooperative Snow Surveys

Report generated: 02/17/2015 08:21
Summary By Section
Section
Today Yesterday
NORTH Number of Stations Reporting 29 29
Average snow water equivalent 4" 5"
Percent of April 1 Average 16% 16%
Percent of normal for this date 20% 20%
CENTRAL Number of Stations Reporting 44 44
Average snow water equivalent 6" 6"
Percent of April 1 Average 19% 20%
Percent of normal for this date 24% 26%
SOUTH Number of Stations Reporting 29 29
Average snow water equivalent 4" 4"
Percent of April 1 Average 16% 17%
Percent of normal for this date 21% 23%
Statewide Summary
Statewide Average SWEQ 5" 5"
Statewide Percent of April 1 17% 18%
Statewide Percent of Normal 22% 23%