The Golden State is Fully Free of Drought for the First Time in 25 Years.
After a quarter-century span, not a single part of the state is facing water scarcity. This milestone arrives after challenging years marked by a lack of precipitation that exacerbated wildfire risks and challenged its huge agribusiness.
A Map Shows No Dryness
The latest assessment from the national drought tracker showed that the entire state is clear of dry or drought conditions. This change resulted from a period of above-normal rainfall that helped fill key lakes like the state's largest lakes exceeding their historic averages.
“For anyone 25 or under you’ve only known in a world where California has been entering or recovering from drought,” stated a local meteorologist.
Following Powerful Weather to Wet Holidays
Achieving this status involved powerful and fatal winter storms that pummeled the state in recent years, leading to significant overflow, electrical failures, and fatalities. While those storms helped ease the drought, they did not eliminate it.
As late as late December, areas like the state's northeast corner were deemed experiencing dryness. Substantial precipitation at the beginning of January eliminated those remaining dry spots.
The Vital Sierra Snow Is Below Average
But, hydrologists note that drought-free conditions does not mean being out of the woods. Current readings of the high-elevation snow show it at roughly seven-tenths of the historical norm.
This snowpack, which accounts for approximately 30% of the state's usable water as it melts in the spring, is a key piece for future water availability. State experts point out that it is not yet time to draw conclusions for the annual water supply.
“The trend we’re looking at right now is more rain than snow,” explained a state water resources manager. “We’d like to see the snow accumulation to improve by the start of April so that we’re closer to average.”
Although the monitor shows a clean slate, the next challenge is to sustaining this precious water balance for the rest of the year.