UC Berkeley Central Sierra Snow Lab
@cssl.bsky.social
The CSSL is a research station of UC Berkeley specializing in snow physics, snow hydrology, meteorology, and climatology. The lab is at an elevation of 6894 ft.
Interested in getting more information on recent happenings on the lab? Check out our most recent email newsletter that went out today! tinyurl.com/bm3wb95p
In it: how the water year has started, the quest for more (and easily accessed) data, and we get a new employee!
In it: how the water year has started, the quest for more (and easily accessed) data, and we get a new employee!
November 26, 2025 at 12:55 AM
Interested in getting more information on recent happenings on the lab? Check out our most recent email newsletter that went out today! tinyurl.com/bm3wb95p
In it: how the water year has started, the quest for more (and easily accessed) data, and we get a new employee!
In it: how the water year has started, the quest for more (and easily accessed) data, and we get a new employee!
11/20/25 8:50am Update:
We have 2.8" (7 cm) of new #snow with light to moderate snowfall rates continuing this morning. Our 7-day total to 11.6" (29.5 cm).
Snow will continue through this evening and is expected to be the last for at least the next 7-10 days.
#CAwx #CAwater
We have 2.8" (7 cm) of new #snow with light to moderate snowfall rates continuing this morning. Our 7-day total to 11.6" (29.5 cm).
Snow will continue through this evening and is expected to be the last for at least the next 7-10 days.
#CAwx #CAwater
November 20, 2025 at 4:51 PM
11/19/2025:
Just a friendly reminder that early season doesn't correlate to the entire season. This is the snowfall that we had on this date in 2023 (0.8") and we still ended with above average snowfall. Early season is highly variable. In other words, it isn't anywhere close to time to panic yet.
Just a friendly reminder that early season doesn't correlate to the entire season. This is the snowfall that we had on this date in 2023 (0.8") and we still ended with above average snowfall. Early season is highly variable. In other words, it isn't anywhere close to time to panic yet.
November 19, 2025 at 5:19 PM
11/19/2025:
Just a friendly reminder that early season doesn't correlate to the entire season. This is the snowfall that we had on this date in 2023 (0.8") and we still ended with above average snowfall. Early season is highly variable. In other words, it isn't anywhere close to time to panic yet.
Just a friendly reminder that early season doesn't correlate to the entire season. This is the snowfall that we had on this date in 2023 (0.8") and we still ended with above average snowfall. Early season is highly variable. In other words, it isn't anywhere close to time to panic yet.
Applications for this year's CSSL Snow Science School occurring January 14-16, 2026 are now open! We encourage undergrad/grad students and career professionals to apply.
Applications close November 15th, 2025, so don’t wait!
Get more details here: csslsnowschool.com
Applications close November 15th, 2025, so don’t wait!
Get more details here: csslsnowschool.com
November 7, 2025 at 5:31 PM
Applications for this year's CSSL Snow Science School occurring January 14-16, 2026 are now open! We encourage undergrad/grad students and career professionals to apply.
Applications close November 15th, 2025, so don’t wait!
Get more details here: csslsnowschool.com
Applications close November 15th, 2025, so don’t wait!
Get more details here: csslsnowschool.com
Applications for this year's CSSL Snow Science School occurring January 14-16, 2026 are now open! Applications close November 15th, 2025, so don’t wait!
Get more details here: csslsnowschool.com
Apply to attend here: forms.gle/e8uNu6KZi9vH...
Get more details here: csslsnowschool.com
Apply to attend here: forms.gle/e8uNu6KZi9vH...
October 18, 2025 at 12:12 AM
Applications for this year's CSSL Snow Science School occurring January 14-16, 2026 are now open! Applications close November 15th, 2025, so don’t wait!
Get more details here: csslsnowschool.com
Apply to attend here: forms.gle/e8uNu6KZi9vH...
Get more details here: csslsnowschool.com
Apply to attend here: forms.gle/e8uNu6KZi9vH...
This is actually fairly close to our first snowfall dates over the last several years. Here's a closer look at when we normally get it-
October 15, 2025 at 8:05 PM
This is actually fairly close to our first snowfall dates over the last several years. Here's a closer look at when we normally get it-
10/15/25 9:20am Update:
It's official! Our first measurable snowfall happened. We had 7.3" (18.5 cm) of #snow accumulation at our measurement this morning.
It looks like we're done with snow for at least the next 10 days but we'll be watching the forecast excitedly.
#CAwx #CAwater
It's official! Our first measurable snowfall happened. We had 7.3" (18.5 cm) of #snow accumulation at our measurement this morning.
It looks like we're done with snow for at least the next 10 days but we'll be watching the forecast excitedly.
#CAwx #CAwater
October 15, 2025 at 4:28 PM
10/11/2025 9:15am Update:
Models continue to shift as we move closer to our forecasted #snow for the early half of this week. Currently, model guidance suggests 12-16" of accumulation at our lab Mon-Weds and we'll update as we get closer and outlooks change.
#CAwx #CAwater
Models continue to shift as we move closer to our forecasted #snow for the early half of this week. Currently, model guidance suggests 12-16" of accumulation at our lab Mon-Weds and we'll update as we get closer and outlooks change.
#CAwx #CAwater
October 11, 2025 at 4:21 PM
10/2/25 10:25am
No snow yet but plenty of rain over the last 24 hours, which is a great start to the 2026 water year that began yesterday.
These early rain storms help prime our soil and keep it moist meaning less water from our snow has to do that job later.
#CAwx #CAwater
No snow yet but plenty of rain over the last 24 hours, which is a great start to the 2026 water year that began yesterday.
These early rain storms help prime our soil and keep it moist meaning less water from our snow has to do that job later.
#CAwx #CAwater
October 2, 2025 at 5:29 PM
How many lightning strikes have we had around Donner Summit and the Lake Tahoe Basin since Saturday?
1500 - each with its own strength and location characteristics involving drought, fuel loads, and recent meteorological conditions. 1/2
1500 - each with its own strength and location characteristics involving drought, fuel loads, and recent meteorological conditions. 1/2
August 26, 2025 at 7:00 PM
How many lightning strikes have we had around Donner Summit and the Lake Tahoe Basin since Saturday?
1500 - each with its own strength and location characteristics involving drought, fuel loads, and recent meteorological conditions. 1/2
1500 - each with its own strength and location characteristics involving drought, fuel loads, and recent meteorological conditions. 1/2
We are looking for a company vehicle with 4x4 or AWD that we can use to get to our field sites. We don't have the biggest budget, so we're working on alternatives to buying new. The vehicle doesn't need to be a newer model or even in great running condition. 1/2
Bad AI pic for attention
Bad AI pic for attention
August 6, 2025 at 8:07 PM
We are looking for a company vehicle with 4x4 or AWD that we can use to get to our field sites. We don't have the biggest budget, so we're working on alternatives to buying new. The vehicle doesn't need to be a newer model or even in great running condition. 1/2
Bad AI pic for attention
Bad AI pic for attention
Looking for something to do on your Saturday? Come visit us at Legacy Day at Donner Memorial State Park! We'd love to chat with you and load you up with stickers!
June 21, 2025 at 7:19 PM
Looking for something to do on your Saturday? Come visit us at Legacy Day at Donner Memorial State Park! We'd love to chat with you and load you up with stickers!
5/12/25 3:30pm Update:
It's not over yet! We've been getting snow all day and it has led to some wonderful spring conditions ❄️❄️❄️
It's not over yet! We've been getting snow all day and it has led to some wonderful spring conditions ❄️❄️❄️
May 12, 2025 at 10:35 PM
5/12/25 3:30pm Update:
It's not over yet! We've been getting snow all day and it has led to some wonderful spring conditions ❄️❄️❄️
It's not over yet! We've been getting snow all day and it has led to some wonderful spring conditions ❄️❄️❄️
2/2 Snow water equivalent (SWE) is the amount of water that can be obtained by melting snow while accumulation is the depth of newly fallen snow over a season that can differ in density and, therefore, doesn't always have the same water content.
April 27, 2025 at 4:39 PM
2/2 Snow water equivalent (SWE) is the amount of water that can be obtained by melting snow while accumulation is the depth of newly fallen snow over a season that can differ in density and, therefore, doesn't always have the same water content.
Mwah hahahaha! You thought it was spring but the weather has other plans! ❄️❄️❄️
We are expecting some late-season snow this weekend (April 26 & 27, 2025) above 6000 feet, most of which will fall Saturday night into Sunday morning. We're currently expecting 6-12" at the lab.
#CAwx #CAwater
We are expecting some late-season snow this weekend (April 26 & 27, 2025) above 6000 feet, most of which will fall Saturday night into Sunday morning. We're currently expecting 6-12" at the lab.
#CAwx #CAwater
April 25, 2025 at 6:45 PM
We're exciting to be participating in the Tahoe Truckee Earth Day Festival this Saturday April 26, 2025 at the Palisade's Tahoe Village!
Come out to chat with us about all things snow, our research, and educational programs. Or, just stop by to grab yourself a CSSL sticker!
Come out to chat with us about all things snow, our research, and educational programs. Or, just stop by to grab yourself a CSSL sticker!
April 23, 2025 at 8:06 PM
We're exciting to be participating in the Tahoe Truckee Earth Day Festival this Saturday April 26, 2025 at the Palisade's Tahoe Village!
Come out to chat with us about all things snow, our research, and educational programs. Or, just stop by to grab yourself a CSSL sticker!
Come out to chat with us about all things snow, our research, and educational programs. Or, just stop by to grab yourself a CSSL sticker!