The Golden State is Completely Free of Drought for the First Instance in Two and a Half Decades.
After a quarter-century span, not a single part of the state is experiencing dryness. This milestone follows grueling years marked by a lack of precipitation that intensified blaze threats and pressured its huge agribusiness.
A Chart Shows An Absence of Dryness
The latest assessment from the national drought tracker showed that California in its entirety is free from drought or abnormal dryness. This change came after multiple heavy precipitation that helped fill major reservoirs like Oroville and Shasta well above 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,” stated a weather expert.
From Intense Storms to Rainy Seasons
Achieving this status included severe and lethal winter storms that pummeled the state in recent years, leading to extensive inundation, electrical failures, and deaths. Even though those events helped ease the drought, they fell short of ending it.
Even into late December, regions like the state's northeast corner were deemed unusually parched. Heavy rains at the start of the new year eliminated those remaining dry spots.
The Vital Sierra Snow Is Below Average
However, experts warn that drought-free conditions is not the same as having no water worries. Recent measurements of the high-elevation snow place it at only about 70% of the average for this date.
This mountain snow, which accounts for about a third of the state's water supply as it runs off, is an essential component for long-term water security. Hydrology managers point out that it is too early to make predictions for the months ahead.
“The trend we’re looking at right now is increased rainfall over snowfall,” explained a hydrology section chief. “We’d like to see the snow accumulation to increase by 1 April so that we’re nearer to normal.”
While the drought map shows a clean slate, the next challenge is to sustaining this precious water balance for the rest of the year.
