The Golden State is Completely Drought-Free for the First Time in a Quarter Century.
For the first time in 25 years, no portion of California is enduring drought conditions. This milestone follows difficult years marked by below-average rain that worsened wildfire risks and strained its enormous farming industry.
An Update Shows No Abnormally Dry Areas
A recent update from the national drought tracker showed that California in its entirety is clear of dry or drought conditions. This shift resulted from weeks of significant storms that replenished major reservoirs like the state's largest lakes exceeding their typical levels.
“If you’re 25 or younger you’ve only known in a world where California has been grappling with drought,” noted a weather expert.
Following Powerful Weather to Wet Holidays
The path to this point involved intense and deadly winter storms that battered the state in recent years, causing widespread flooding, electrical failures, and tragic losses. Although that weather began to alleviate the drought, they fell short of ending it.
Even into late December, regions like Modoc County were deemed experiencing dryness. Substantial precipitation at the start of the new year finally erased those final dry conditions.
The Vital Sierra Snow Is Below Average
However, hydrologists note that drought-free conditions is not the same as having no water worries. Latest data of the high-elevation snow place it at approximately 70 percent of the average for this date.
This frozen reservoir, 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. Hydrology managers have emphasized that it is premature to draw conclusions for the coming year.
“The trend we’re looking at right now is a higher ratio of rain to snow,” explained a state water resources manager. “Our hope is for the snow accumulation to pick up by 1 April so that we’re nearer to normal.”
Although the monitor indicates no dryness, attention turns to preserving this hard-won hydrological health throughout the rest of the year.
