MEDFORD, Ore. (AP) — The Siskiyou snowpack was at 200 percent of normal in late December, but U.S. Forest Service surveyor Steve Johnson said the results are misleading because they reflect only one area at a lower elevation.

He took the first measurement of the winter on Monday but said a better gauge will come in January when his measurements will include three higher sites.

The late December measurement and last year’s both were at 26 inches. Monday’s snow-water content was 220 percent of normal.

He said water content at higher elevations tend to be below normal because of drier snow.

Overall the Rogue and Umpqua basins are at 104 percent of normal. The measurements are important indicators for summer stream flow and reservoir storage.

Predictions are for more snow at higher elevations.