The Golden State is Completely Drought-Free for the First Instance in 25 Years.
After a quarter-century span, not a single part of the state is experiencing drought conditions. This significant achievement comes on the heels of grueling years marked by below-average rain that exacerbated fire dangers and challenged its huge agribusiness.
A Chart Indicates Zero Abnormally Dry Areas
The latest assessment from the U.S. Drought Monitor illustrated that the entire state is clear of any level of drought. This development resulted from multiple significant storms that replenished water storage sites like the state's largest lakes exceeding their long-term norms.
“If you’re 25 or younger you’ve always lived in a world where California has been entering or recovering from drought,” noted a local meteorologist.
After Severe Systems to Wet Holidays
The journey here included intense and deadly winter storms that battered the state in recent years, resulting in extensive inundation, electrical failures, and fatalities. Even though those events helped ease the drought, they weren't enough to erase it completely.
As late as late December, pockets like the state's northeast corner were deemed experiencing dryness. Subsequent downpours at the start of the new year eliminated those last vestiges of dryness.
The Vital Sierra Snow Is Below Average
However, hydrologists note that being out of drought should not be confused with having no water worries. Recent measurements of the mountain snow accumulation show it at roughly seven-tenths of the historical norm.
This mountain snow, which supplies approximately 30% of the state's usable water as it thaws later in the year, is a key piece for future water availability. State experts point out that it is not yet time to make predictions for the annual water supply.
“The current pattern right now is more rain than snow,” explained a California water official. “Our hope is for the snow accumulation to pick up by the start of April so that we’re approaching the typical mark.”
While the drought map is entirely green, attention turns to maintaining this hard-won hydrological health throughout the months to come.
