Reno sees coldest winter in 15 years, surpasses average precipitation for water year

Reno, Nev. (KRNV) — We are not even halfway through the start of the water year, and Reno has already surpassed the average amount of precipitation and average seasonal snowfall. Since October 1, the start of the water year, Reno has received more than eight inches of precipitation (8.08") and almost twenty six inches of snowfall (25.8").

The water year starts over every year on October 1 and lasts through September 30. These latest measurements don't include the precipitation totals Reno received over the first weekend of February.

Precipitation totals aren't the only eye-catching numbers from this winter season.Chris Smallcomb, Meteorologist in Charge for the Reno National Weather Service, says The Biggest Little City is having the coldest winter since 2008.

"A lot of thatstarted with that cold front we had in late October...ever since then, it's actually been a lot colder than normal," he said.

The Tahoe City weather station is also on track to have the coldest average winter since 1973.

Freezing temperatures plus heavy snowpack means good news for skiers and snowboarders and bad news if you enjoy running or hiking outdoors.

"But when that snowpack does melt, it's great news for the water supply. It will help fill up the creeks and rivers and the lakes and reservoirs will help our drought situation a little bit," said Smallcomb.

Reno can also anticipate some flooding concerns this summer, depending on how fast we warm up in the spring and summer months.

Email reporter Audrey Mayer at aumayer@sbgtv.com. Follow @AudsMayer on Twitter and Audrey Mayer KRNV on Facebook.