The Golden State is Entirely Free of Drought for the First Instance in 25 Years.
After a quarter-century span, every region of the state is experiencing water scarcity. This milestone comes on the heels of difficult years marked by below-average rain that worsened fire dangers and strained its massive agricultural sector.
A Chart Indicates No Abnormally Dry Areas
Thursday's report from the national drought tracker confirmed that California in its entirety is clear of dry or drought conditions. This shift was driven by multiple significant storms that replenished key lakes like Oroville and Shasta exceeding their long-term norms.
“For anyone 25 or under you’ve only known in a world where California has been in or emerging from drought,” remarked a local meteorologist.
After Severe Systems to Soggy Celebrations
The path to this point involved powerful and fatal winter storms that battered the state in recent years, causing widespread flooding, blackouts, and fatalities. Although that weather started to mitigate the drought, they did not eliminate it.
As late as late December, areas like the state's northeast corner were deemed experiencing dryness. Heavy rains at the start of the new year washed away those final dry conditions.
The Vital Sierra Snow Is Below Average
However, experts warn that the end of drought status should not be confused with being out of the woods. Recent measurements of the Sierra Nevada snowpack show it at roughly seven-tenths of the historical norm.
This mountain snow, which provides approximately 30% of the state's water as it thaws later in the year, is a key piece for the year ahead. Water officials point out that it is not yet time to make predictions for the annual water supply.
“The trend we’re looking at right now is more rain than snow,” commented a hydrology section chief. “Our hope is for the snow accumulation to increase by the start of April so that we’re approaching the typical mark.”
Even as the official status shows a clean slate, the next challenge is to maintaining this hard-won hydrological health during the rest of the year.
