California is Completely Free of Drought for the First Instance in a Quarter Century.
After a quarter-century span, every region of California is facing water scarcity. This landmark event comes on the heels of difficult years marked by insufficient rainfall that exacerbated wildfire risks and pressured its massive agricultural sector.
A Chart Reveals No Drought
A recent update from the U.S. Drought Monitor showed that the entire state is without dry or drought conditions. This development resulted from multiple above-normal rainfall that helped fill water storage sites like the state's largest lakes exceeding their historic averages.
“For anyone 25 or under you’ve spent your life in a world where California has been grappling with drought,” remarked a local meteorologist.
From Intense Storms to Rainy Seasons
The path to this point involved intense and deadly winter storms that pummeled the state in the not-too-distant past, causing significant overflow, electrical failures, and fatalities. While those storms began to alleviate the drought, they fell short of ending it.
As late as late December, regions like the state's northeast corner were considered experiencing dryness. Subsequent downpours at the start of the new year eliminated those remaining dry spots.
Essential Mountain Snowfall Presents a Challenge
But, hydrologists note that drought-free conditions does not mean having no water worries. Recent measurements of the mountain snow accumulation indicate it is approximately 70 percent of the historical norm.
This mountain snow, which accounts for approximately 30% of the state's water as it melts in the spring, is a key piece for the year ahead. Water officials point out that it is too early to determine the outlook for the months ahead.
“What we are observing right now is increased rainfall over snowfall,” commented a state water resources manager. “We’d like to see the snow accumulation to improve by 1 April so that we’re nearer to normal.”
Even as the official status is entirely green, the next challenge is to maintaining this hard-won hydrological health for the rest of the year.