snowpack

[ snoh-pak ]

noun

1. the accumulation of winter snowfall, especially in mountain or upland regions.

snowpack

/ ˈsnəʊˌpæk /

noun

1. a quantity of fallen snow that has become massed together

snowpack

/ snō′păk′ /

1. An area of naturally formed, packed snow that usually melts during the warmer months.
2. The amount of snow that accumulates annually in a mountainous area.

Word History and Origins

Origin of snowpack¹

First recorded in 1945–50; snow + pack ¹

Example Sentences

“The rainfall that will occur over the next several days will be extremely beneficial for California’s snowpack later in the spring and summer of 2025,” David Rizzardo, manager of California’s Department of Water Resources Hydrology Section, said in a statement.

From Los Angeles Times

Michael said expanding the reservoir, which still requires additional efforts to secure funding, will be a significant step in preparing the state for the effects of climate change, including shrinking snowpack and flashier bursts of storm runoff.

From Los Angeles Times

“In 2019, the conditions lined up with the snowpack, wind, moisture blowing off the mountain and the light filtering through the clouds that creates a perfect orange.”

From Los Angeles Times

According to the report, current infrastructure will be able to deliver less water in the coming years as rising temperatures bring more intense droughts, decreased snowpack, more extreme storms, and more precipitation falling as rain rather than snow.

From Los Angeles Times

For now, we’ve removed a chart tracking the Sierra snowpack.

From Los Angeles Times