(KRON) — The average snowpack in the Sierra Nevada rose from roughly an inch to more than a foot in recent weeks following a series of powerful storms that soaked the Bay Area and piled fresh powder in the Sierra. NASA satellite images of the mountain range from Dec. 11 and Dec. 29 give clear loo ks at the amount of fresh snow the area received during the recent storms. The Sierra Nevada seen with little snow on Dec. 11 (left). The clear weather on Dec. 29 shows the drastic difference in snowfall following the region's holiday storms (right). (Satellite images from NASA Worldview) King tides return to the Bay Area this week According to National Weather Service data, 19% of the Sierra Nevada was covered with snow on Dec.11. As of Dec. 29, roughly 55.9% of the Sierra Nevada is now covered in some snow. The deepest snow in the Sierra Nevada on Dec. 11 was a little more than 2 feet deep, NWS data shows. Today, the range’s deepest pockets of snow are nearly 6 feet deep. Snow depth in the Sierra Nevada between Dec. 11 (left) and Dec. 29 (right). (NWS) An animation provided by the NWS shows the heaviest snow started piling up on Christmas Eve and continued into the holiday weekend. Animatinon showing snofwll between Dec. 17 and Dec. 29. (NWS) Despite the abundance of fresh snow, California is still a bit behind in snowfall compared to its annual average, according to the California Department of Water Resources. The Southern Sierra Nevada is at 95% of its average snowfall for this time of year. The central Sierra is currently at 77% of its average snowfall. The Northern Sierra is at 50%. More high-elevation snow is forecast for the Sierra Nevada as a new storm moves into the region this week. Measles confirmed in East Bay, potential exposure at Walnut Creek stores The wealth of fresh snow has resulted in some disastrous avalanches in recent days. A ski patroller who was seriously injured in an avalanche at Mammoth Mountain on Dec. 26 has died, the resort announced Sunday. A snowmobiler was also seriously injured in an avalanche in the Sierra Nevada north of Yosemite National Park Saturday. ...read more read less