Less than half of California now in drought, monitor reports
2 years ago

Less than half of California now in drought, monitor reports

The Independent  

Sign up to the Independent Climate email for the latest advice on saving the planet Get our free Climate email Get our free Climate email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Less than half of the state of California now remains in drought following the recent spate of heavy snow and rain, according to US Drought Monitor. The latest data indicates that while moderate or severe drought still covers about 49 per cent of the state’s land mass, nearly 17 per cent is free of drought or abnormally dry conditions. The remaining 34 per cent of California land is still abnormally dry, all of which means an estimated 9,702,597 are living in drought areas in the state. “Most California reservoirs have refilled with water levels near or above average, but groundwater levels remain low and may take months to recover.” The water content of the Sierra snowpack, which provides aronund one-third of California’s water, is more than 160 per cent of the historical average on 1 April, when it is normally at its peak, according to the state Department of Water Resources.

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History of this topic

Atmospheric river set to roll in, with threat of rain, snow, floods and mud, forecasters say
2 weeks ago

Atmospheric river set to roll in, with threat of rain, snow, floods and mud, forecasters say

LA Times  

A pedestrian stays dry Wednesday in Santa Ana. A storm is first expected to drench San Diego County on Monday night before an atmospheric river storm soaks the L.A. region midweek, posing a threat to burn scar areas. An atmospheric river is expected to arrive early Wednesday, bringing heavy precipitation along the coast of California through Thursday, with significant impacts …

California and federal government set to increase water deliveries after storms
3 weeks, 6 days ago

California and federal government set to increase water deliveries after storms

LA Times  

State and federal agencies plan to deliver more water to California farms and cities following recent storms that brought rain and snow and boosted reservoir levels. “However, given the high storage conditions and current high Delta outflow from recent storms, I know that many of the Water Authority’s members were hoping for a higher initial allocation,” Barajas said. He said …

California snowpack is below average, but winter storms could change that
1 month, 3 weeks ago

California snowpack is below average, but winter storms could change that

LA Times  

After an extremely dry January, California’s snowpack in the Sierra Nevada now measures just 65% of the average for this time of year, but state water officials said two winter storms are expected to bring more snow and rain that will add to the state’s water supplies. “We’ve had a very dry January,” said Andy Reising, manager of snow surveys …

California wildfires: Rain brings good news to LA, but a potential headache too
1 month, 3 weeks ago

California wildfires: Rain brings good news to LA, but a potential headache too

Firstpost  

One benefit that could come from the rain: It may help firefighters who are reining in multiple wildfires after weeks of windy and dry weather A basketball is stuck in the net outside of a residence destroyed by the Palisades Fire in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles. AP Rain fell on parts of Southern California on Sunday and …

Flood watches issued as rain threatens mud and debris flows in Los Angeles fire zones
1 month, 3 weeks ago

Flood watches issued as rain threatens mud and debris flows in Los Angeles fire zones

India Today  

LOS ANGELES: Rain fell on parts of Southern California on Sunday and the scattered showers were expected to continue overnight, boosting the risk of toxic ash runoff in areas scorched by Los Angeles-area wildfires. Flood watches were in effect through 4 p.m. Monday for burn areas from recent fires that broke out around the Pacific Palisades neighborhood in Los Angeles, …

Southern California rain helps firefighters but creates risk of flooding and toxic ash runoff
1 month, 3 weeks ago

Southern California rain helps firefighters but creates risk of flooding and toxic ash runoff

Associated Press  

LOS ANGELES — Rain fell on parts of Southern California on Sunday and the scattered showers were expected to continue overnight, boosting the risk of toxic ash runoff in areas scorched by Los Angeles-area wildfires. Flood watches were in effect through 4 p.m. Monday for burn areas from recent fires that broke out around the Pacific Palisades neighborhood in Los …

With negligible rain in 8 months, Southern California swings toward drought
2 months, 2 weeks ago

With negligible rain in 8 months, Southern California swings toward drought

LA Times  

California is entering the fourth month of what is typically the rainy season, but in the Southland, the landscape is beginning to show signs of drought. “Southern California remains dry,” said Michael Anderson, state climatologist for the Department of Water Resources. At this point last year, precipitation remained below average until a “miracle March” storm came along and pushed up …

California begins 2025 with solid start to winter snowpack, but more storms are needed
2 months, 3 weeks ago

California begins 2025 with solid start to winter snowpack, but more storms are needed

Associated Press  

PHILLIPS STATION, Calif. — California is beginning 2025 with a solid start to the winter snowpack, officials said Thursday, but they cautioned that more storms are needed to keep the state’s water supplies on track. Officials at Phillips Station in the Sierra Nevada, a mountain range that covers the eastern part of the state, recorded a snow depth of 24 …

With bone-dry conditions, Southern California high fire danger could linger into the new year
3 months, 1 week ago

With bone-dry conditions, Southern California high fire danger could linger into the new year

LA Times  

By this time of year, Southern California has usually recorded some measurable rainfall. If the rains don’t come and the winds do, he said, “that will keep us in high fire season.” Two recent stretches of dangerous Santa Ana winds played out exactly the way forecasters worried they would, fueling the flames of major fires across coastal Southern California. “Down …

A record number of US states are in drought during what may be Earth’s warmest year
4 months, 2 weeks ago

A record number of US states are in drought during what may be Earth’s warmest year

The Independent  

Sign up to the Independent Climate email for the latest advice on saving the planet Get our free Climate email Get our free Climate email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy A record number of states are experiencing drought conditions this month, as warm and windy …

A wet year boosted California’s groundwater, but not enough to address long-term declines
10 months, 2 weeks ago

A wet year boosted California’s groundwater, but not enough to address long-term declines

LA Times  

After years of pervasive declines, groundwater levels rose significantly in much of California last year, boosted by historic wet weather and the state’s expanding efforts to replenish depleted aquifers. The state’s aquifers gained an estimated 8.7 million acre-feet of groundwater — nearly double the total storage capacity of Shasta Lake — during the 2023 water year that ended Sept. 30, …

L.A.’s water supplies are in good shape. But is the city ready for the next drought?
11 months, 1 week ago

L.A.’s water supplies are in good shape. But is the city ready for the next drought?

LA Times  

California’s second wet winter in a row has left L.A.’s water supplies in good shape, and the city has used its reprieve from drought to make progress on water-saving infrastructure projects. After the state’s final snow survey of the season, officials with the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power announced that Eastern Sierra snowpack is measuring 103% of normal, …

California enters spring with vital snowpack above average for a second year
11 months, 3 weeks ago

California enters spring with vital snowpack above average for a second year

Associated Press  

LOS ANGELES — California has entered spring with an above-average mountain snowpack and major reservoirs in good shape for a second consecutive year, staving off immediate water supply concerns but not allaying drought worries in a warming world. The California Department of Water Resources measured the water content of the Sierra Nevada snowpack Tuesday at 110% of the April 1 …

Editorial: California snow survey makes it official — we’re all wet
11 months, 3 weeks ago

Editorial: California snow survey makes it official — we’re all wet

LA Times  

Sean de Guzman, right, manager of the California Department of Water Resources Snow Surveys and Water Supply Forecasting Unit, and water resources engineer Anthony Burdock, left, measure the snowpack in January at Phillips Station in the Sierra Nevada. The crucial April snow survey conducted Tuesday morning showed above-average Sierra snowpack. “Average is awesome,” California Department of Water Resources Director Karla …

Opinion: California has to conserve water. Why is Sacramento dragging its heels?
11 months, 3 weeks ago

Opinion: California has to conserve water. Why is Sacramento dragging its heels?

LA Times  

State law set in motion a process of setting of standards for indoor and outdoor water use that utilities and consumers can meet in flexible ways. That legislation established a framework for creating long-term water-use efficiency standards for urban water suppliers that would govern indoor use, allowable water loss and outdoor use. Because the water board’s latest plan for implementing …

Editorial: L.A. may not get another wet winter for a while. We should prepare for drier times
1 year ago

Editorial: L.A. may not get another wet winter for a while. We should prepare for drier times

LA Times  

A wet February weekend, as shown in this Feb. 4 photo of the Grammy Awards ceremony at L.A. Live in downtown Los Angeles, gave way to a wet March as the 2024 Southern California rainy season drew to a close. The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power captured and stored more than 13.5 billion gallons of stormwater in February …

California doubles State Water Project allocation thanks to February storms
1 year ago

California doubles State Water Project allocation thanks to February storms

LA Times  

On the heels of a soaking start to 2024, state water managers on Friday announced a considerable increase in their forecasted water allocation for the year. “Mid- to late February storms have since improved hydrological conditions particularly for Northern California, allowing for a more robust water supply allocation,” the agency said in a statement. Nemeth said similarly that “DWR continues …

California blizzard leaves residents tunneling out with more snow on the way: Live
1 year ago

California blizzard leaves residents tunneling out with more snow on the way: Live

The Independent  

✕ Close 100mph Winds And 12ft Of Snow Expected In California Storm Sign up to the Independent Climate email for the latest advice on saving the planet Get our free Climate email Get our free Climate email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Snow continued to …

California’s rainy season is here. What does it mean for water supply?
1 year, 1 month ago

California’s rainy season is here. What does it mean for water supply?

Associated Press  

LOS ANGELES — After a dry start to winter, California’s rainy season is finally well under way. Share Share Copy Link copied Email Facebook X Reddit LinkedIn Pinterest Flipboard Print Email Facebook X Reddit LinkedIn Pinterest Flipboard Print WHAT ABOUT SNOW? A man shovels snow off his car in the Cleveland National Forest, on Feb. 7, 2024, in eastern San …

The Sierra’s remarkable recovery: ‘Snow drought’ fears overturned in a flash
1 year, 1 month ago

The Sierra’s remarkable recovery: ‘Snow drought’ fears overturned in a flash

LA Times  

Concerns that California might remain in a “ snow drought ” this winter have eased after a series of storms this month blanketed the Sierra Nevada with a near-average amount of snow for this time of year. “Overall, I’m not worried about drought for the rest of this year,” said Jay Lund, a professor emeritus and vice director of the …

After a brief reprieve more wet weather is on the way for Southern California
1 year, 1 month ago

After a brief reprieve more wet weather is on the way for Southern California

LA Times  

Gilberto Bueno rides a horse through a Duarte neighborhood as heavy rain pelted the region last week. Southern California is enjoying a brief reprieve from the wet weather, but it’s expected to return in a few days. Crisp morning temperatures will make way for sunny skies across Southern California this week, but don’t stash those umbrellas and rain boots away …

California Hit With Heavy Rain, Floods From Back-To-Back 'Pineapple Express' Storms
1 year, 1 month ago

California Hit With Heavy Rain, Floods From Back-To-Back 'Pineapple Express' Storms

Huff Post  

LOADING ERROR LOADING LOS ANGELES — Heavy rain flooded California roadways and much-needed snow piled up in the mountains as the first of back-to-back atmospheric rivers pummeled the state Thursday. An atmospheric river, which is a long band of moisture that forms over the Pacific, was fueling the storms dousing the Los Angeles and San Diego areas, said National Weather …

California is in a ‘snow drought.’ Why this week’s atmospheric rivers won’t be enough to end it
1 year, 1 month ago

California is in a ‘snow drought.’ Why this week’s atmospheric rivers won’t be enough to end it

LA Times  

Despite forecasts of heavy rain and possible flooding in the coming days, state water managers are warning that the “snow drought” in California’s Sierra Nevada could remain for the rest of the winter and into the spring. Swain said while it’s hard to predict how the snowpack will turn out, this year could end up with a below-average snowpack “because …

A major wet weather pattern is barreling toward California. But it’s not the dreaded ‘megaflood’
1 year, 1 month ago

A major wet weather pattern is barreling toward California. But it’s not the dreaded ‘megaflood’

LA Times  

Travelers arrive at LAX in the rain last week. “There’s definitely a chance for heavy rain as well as thunderstorms, and that means we do have a risk of flooding on Thursday,” said Brandt Maxwell, a National Weather Service meteorologist in San Diego. Moderate rainfall is forecast across Central California and Los Angeles County, but no significant flooding is expected …

‘Snow drought’ grips California and western United States, despite recent storms
1 year, 2 months ago

‘Snow drought’ grips California and western United States, despite recent storms

LA Times  

Although recent storms have thrashed the California coastline and boosted reservoir levels, the downpours have so far failed to deposit significant snowpack in the Sierra Nevada, which experts say is in the grips of a severe, early season “snow drought.” December’s powerful storms delivered super-sized waves and record-setting rainfall in California, but most of it fell in coastal areas, and …

California begins 2024 with below-normal snowpack a year after one of the best starts in decades
1 year, 2 months ago

California begins 2024 with below-normal snowpack a year after one of the best starts in decades

Associated Press  

LOS ANGELES — California is beginning 2024 with a below-normal mountain snowpack a year after it had one of its best starts in decades, and officials said Tuesday that the weather whiplash has made the outcome of this winter uncertain. The water content of the statewide snowpack was 25% of the average to date, said Sean de Guzman, a water …

There’s no drought anywhere in California: How long that’s expected to last, and why
1 year, 4 months ago

There’s no drought anywhere in California: How long that’s expected to last, and why

LA Times  

Agribusiness consultant Mark Grewel stands on a farm road that was flooded near Corcoran after heavy rains in the San Joaquin Valley last March. “For the most part, California had been drought-free” for weeks, but “a little smidgen” remained, said Brian Fuchs, a climatologist at the National Drought Mitigation Center at the University of Nebraska. Part of the reason for …

Officials urge California residents to brace for flooding as El Niño looms
1 year, 5 months ago

Officials urge California residents to brace for flooding as El Niño looms

LA Times  

With California facing the prospect of a second consecutive winter of heavy precipitation, state officials are urging residents to prepare for possible widespread flooding and evacuations in the coming months. Among the efforts is the Lower Elkhorn Basin Levee Setback Project, a $280-million endeavor that, in conjunction with a weir widening project from the Army Corps of Engineers, will send …

California’s epic rain year boosted groundwater levels, but not enough to recoup losses
1 year, 5 months ago

California’s epic rain year boosted groundwater levels, but not enough to recoup losses

LA Times  

California’s extraordinarily wet year brought the state vast quantities of water that have soaked into the ground and given a substantial boost to the state’s groundwater supplies, but not nearly enough to reverse long-term losses from over-pumping in many areas, according to a new state report. Groundwater levels, while recovering, are still lower than the period after the 2012-2016 drought.” …

California just experienced a ‘miracle’ water year. But winter could bring new challenges
1 year, 5 months ago

California just experienced a ‘miracle’ water year. But winter could bring new challenges

LA Times  

The typically parched, brown hills above Los Angeles are a vibrant shade of green — a rarity for early October. There’s a lot of work to continue to be done — particularly when it comes to flooding and protecting our communities.” This year’s soggy conditions were due primarily to 31 atmospheric river storms that unleashed torrents on the Golden State …

‘Miracle’ water year in California: Rain, snow put state’s reservoirs at 128% of historical average
1 year, 5 months ago

‘Miracle’ water year in California: Rain, snow put state’s reservoirs at 128% of historical average

Associated Press  

SACRAMENTO, Calif. — California ended its “miracle” water year on Saturday with enough rain and snow to fill the state’s reservoirs to 128% of their historical average, making it among the wettest years in recorded state history. California’s “water year” begins annually on Oct. 1 so it can include all of the fall and winter months when California gets the …

California is now practically drought-free, but we keep wasting so much rainwater
1 year, 6 months ago

California is now practically drought-free, but we keep wasting so much rainwater

LA Times  

A driver whose car stalled out on flooded Avenue 48 asks for help from a passerby during Tropical Storm Hilary. He still called Hilary’s rainfall “an unexpected boon” for Southern California’s local water supplies, but said too much of the storm’s water washed away — the latest reminder of the state’s urgent challenge to better capture rainwater to help refill …

California's mountains surprisingly continue to have much ‘snow cover’ way into summer
1 year, 7 months ago

California's mountains surprisingly continue to have much ‘snow cover’ way into summer

Hindustan Times  

In a puzzling case for meteorologists, mountains in California are still covered with snow even when July is about to end. But despite the summer peaking, large areas of Sierra Nevada continue to have snow cover. The report highlights that the continued snow cover is proving to be a mood dampener and risky issue for hikers. Andrew Schwartz, lead scientist …

What the data says (and doesn’t say) about drought
1 year, 9 months ago

What the data says (and doesn’t say) about drought

LA Times  

Good morning, and welcome to the Essential California newsletter. Even when drought conditions ease in California, the state’s long-term struggles with water scarcity and complex water challenges remain. You can see this winter’s effect essentially lifting the state out of “drought.” But it hasn’t been enough to level the long-term imbalance toward dry conditions. But at Southern California’s Pride parades, …

Winter storms boost Central Valley water supplies, but aquifer levels remain depleted
1 year, 9 months ago

Winter storms boost Central Valley water supplies, but aquifer levels remain depleted

LA Times  

Snow geese gather on a flooded farm near Dunnigan, in Yolo County, in January. The historic winter storms that filled California’s reservoirs and covered the Sierra Nevada with snow have brought a major boost to water supplies across Central Valley watersheds — an increase that measurements from NASA satellites show is the largest year-over-year gain in more than two decades …

California’s colossal snowpack has yet to melt: ‘Less and less places for that water to go’
1 year, 10 months ago

California’s colossal snowpack has yet to melt: ‘Less and less places for that water to go’

LA Times  

A man fishes through a hole cut in the ice at Crowley Lake on the opening day of trout season Saturday. “I know that’s hard to believe, but we’re getting into May and the peak is probably yet to come.” A Department of Water Resources crew conducted its fifth snow survey of the year Monday and determined that statewide snowpack …

The great California snowmelt has begun: See striking before and after satellite photos
1 year, 11 months ago

The great California snowmelt has begun: See striking before and after satellite photos

LA Times  

Cars travel U.S. 395 along the east side of the Sierra Nevada near Lone Pine, Calif., on March 22. Though the accumulated snow still measures 249% of normal as of April 18, new satellite photos show that the white blankets enveloping mountains across the state have started to recede. Satellite images seen below from NASA’s Earth Observing System Data and …

Editorial: Drought and flood, California’s double whammy
1 year, 11 months ago

Editorial: Drought and flood, California’s double whammy

LA Times  

Just as federal officials were laying out alternative scenarios last week for steep water supply cuts from the Colorado River due to the drying Southwest, California officials were warning that this year’s historic Sierra snowpack could flood much of the state later this year. Lake Mead, and farther up the Colorado River, Lake Powell — Southern California’s two big out-of-state …

Dramatic photos show how storms and floods filled California reservoirs
1 year, 11 months ago

Dramatic photos show how storms and floods filled California reservoirs

The Independent  

Sign up to the Independent Climate email for the latest advice on saving the planet Get our free Climate email Get our free Climate email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Water levels fell so low in key reservoirs during the depth of California's drought that …

Another storm is expected to bring more snow and flooding to California
1 year, 11 months ago

Another storm is expected to bring more snow and flooding to California

NPR  

Another storm is expected to bring more snow and flooding to California Enlarge this image toggle caption Marcio Jose Sanchez/AP Marcio Jose Sanchez/AP Storms continue to surge into California and are expected to bring moderate to heavy rain and snow across the northern region of the state, the National Weather Service said. The severe weather is forecasted to last from …

Column: Newsom denies the obvious: California is no longer in drought
1 year, 11 months ago

Column: Newsom denies the obvious: California is no longer in drought

LA Times  

Gavin Newsom announces the rollback of some drought restrictions during a news conference Friday at a farm in Dunnigan, Calif. Gov. Is the drought over?” Newsom asked rhetorically in his opening comments at the farm, answering every attending reporter’s question before it was asked. “It’s incumbent upon us to continue to maintain our vigilance … to allow for the fast-tracking …

California eases water restrictions, but drought isn’t over
1 year, 11 months ago

California eases water restrictions, but drought isn’t over

Associated Press  

DUNNIGAN, Calif. — California Gov. Gavin Newsom ended some of the state’s water restrictions on Friday because a winter of relentless rain and snow has replenished the state’s reservoirs and eased fears of a shortage after three years of severe drought. But Newsom did say he would stop asking people to voluntarily cut their water use by 15%, a request …

California ends some water limits after storms ease drought
1 year, 11 months ago

California ends some water limits after storms ease drought

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Gavin Newsom ended some of the state's water restrictions …

California Ends Some Water Limits After Storms Ease Drought
1 year, 11 months ago

California Ends Some Water Limits After Storms Ease Drought

Huff Post  

DUNNIGAN, Calif. — California Gov. Gavin Newsom ended some of the state’s water restrictions on Friday because a winter of relentless rain and snow has replenished the state’s reservoirs and eased fears of a shortage after three years of severe drought. Newsom said he would stop asking people to voluntarily cut their water use by 15%, a request he first …

Newsom rolls back California drought restrictions after remarkably wet winter
2 years ago

Newsom rolls back California drought restrictions after remarkably wet winter

LA Times  

A Rancho Cucamonga housing tract was among those where outdoor watering was restricted to one day a week during last year’s drought. Gavin Newsom on Friday announced that he will roll back some of the state’s most severe drought restrictions and dramatically increase water supplies for agencies serving 27 million people. “We’re modifying it as opposed to eliminating it because …

Tens of thousands without power in California as latest storm lashes state
2 years ago

Tens of thousands without power in California as latest storm lashes state

India Today  

Tens of thousands of storm-weary Californians were without power and under evacuation warnings on Wednesday as the latest storm packing wind-blown rain and snow threatened to bring more flooding to the rain-soaked state. Much of the region along with parts of Arizona and Nevada were under flood watches and advisories on Wednesday caused by the continued rain and snow melt, …

3 reasons why California's drought isn't really over, despite all the rain
2 years ago

3 reasons why California's drought isn't really over, despite all the rain

NPR  

3 reasons why California's drought isn't really over, despite all the rain Enlarge this image toggle caption Ken James/California Department of Water Resources Ken James/California Department of Water Resources Ask a water expert if California's drought is finally done, and the answers sound something "Yes and no." "While we've seen some pretty fantastic wet weather and we've seen conditions improve, …

Heavy rain to hit Southern California; thousands flee flooding in Central Valley
2 years ago

Heavy rain to hit Southern California; thousands flee flooding in Central Valley

LA Times  

A weary, storm-soaked California is bracing for another bout of heavy rain and snow, power outages and potential flooding this week as a cold weather system takes aim at the state. “The heaviest rain is definitely going to be in Southern California, and L.A. and San Diego will both probably see more rain out of this storm than a lot …

California risk shifts from drought to floods after record rain, snow
2 years ago

California risk shifts from drought to floods after record rain, snow

LA Times  

Though California may be ending its winter with quenched reservoirs and near record snowpack, meteorologists are warning that the state will face increased flooding risk in the coming months as Sierra Nevada snowmelt fills rivers and streams. “Is it gradual snowmelt — in which case the flood concerns would be mostly minor — or is it more rapid … in …

More rain and snow bound for California as back-to-back atmospheric rivers approach
2 years ago

More rain and snow bound for California as back-to-back atmospheric rivers approach

NPR  

More rain and snow bound for California as back-to-back atmospheric rivers approach Enlarge this image toggle caption Mario Tama/Getty Images Mario Tama/Getty Images Another set of storms is expected to hit California in the coming days and over the weekend, continuing the state's spate of recent extreme weather since the beginning of the year. Starting Thursday, forecasters say back-to-back "atmospheric …

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