California is Entirely Free of Drought for the First Time in a Quarter Century.
For the first time in 25 years, every region of the state is facing drought conditions. This milestone arrives after challenging years marked by insufficient rainfall that exacerbated fire dangers and pressured its huge agribusiness.
A Chart Indicates Zero Dryness
The latest assessment from the national drought tracker illustrated that California in its entirety is without dry or drought conditions. This development resulted from a period of above-normal rainfall that replenished key lakes like Shasta and Oroville far beyond their typical levels.
“For anyone 25 or under you’ve spent your life in a world where California has been grappling with drought,” noted a weather expert.
Following Powerful Weather to Wet Holidays
Achieving this status featured severe and lethal winter storms that battered the state in recent years, leading to widespread flooding, electrical failures, and deaths. Even though those events began to alleviate the drought, they weren't enough to erase it completely.
Even into late December, pockets like the state's northeast corner were considered abnormally dry. Subsequent downpours at the beginning of January eliminated those last vestiges of dryness.
Essential Mountain Snowfall Remains a Concern
However, hydrologists note that being out of drought does not mean being out of the woods. Recent measurements of the mountain snow accumulation show it at only about 70% of the average for this date.
This mountain snow, which provides a significant portion of the state's water as it runs off, is a critical factor for the year ahead. Hydrology managers point out that it is premature to make predictions for the annual water supply.
“The trend we’re looking at right now is increased rainfall over snowfall,” commented a hydrology section chief. “We’d like to see the snow accumulation to improve by the start of April so that we’re nearer to normal.”
While the drought map indicates no dryness, attention turns to preserving this positive water situation during the coming seasons.
