Precipitation finally arrives, but snowpack still needs some help . . .

After a dry early winter, snow finally fell statewide beginning about two weeks ago, triggering a well-oiled process within the city and the county, crews working non-stop to clear roads to ensure business as usual for the general public.

 According to the USDA’s latest Natural Resources Conservation Service precipitation report, accumulation in the region is about 69 percent of normal for this time of year.

 It’s a drastic improvement from under 30 percent before the snow began to fall.

 Still, more is needed to put annual snowpack at normal levels. Without it, water supply could be low at Crane Creek Reservoir, which feeds farmers and other irrigation users in the area. You can visit wcc.sc.egov.usa.gov for all the latest reports on snowpack and expected precipitation.

 Precipitation models as of Jan. 22, 2024 call for a mixture of clear skies and rain for the next week.