The Golden State is Completely Free of Drought for the First Time in 25 Years.
Following 25 long years, no portion of the state is experiencing drought conditions. This milestone comes on the heels of grueling years marked by insufficient rainfall that exacerbated wildfire risks and strained its enormous farming industry.
A Chart Reveals Zero Abnormally Dry Areas
Thursday's report from the U.S. Drought Monitor confirmed that the entire state is without dry or drought conditions. This development came after weeks of above-normal rainfall that helped fill water storage sites like Shasta and Oroville 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,” noted a weather expert.
After Severe Systems to Wet Holidays
The path to this point involved severe and lethal winter storms that pummeled the state in recent years, leading to widespread flooding, blackouts, and deaths. Even though those events started to mitigate the drought, they fell short of ending it.
As late as late December, areas like the state's northeast corner 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
Yet, hydrologists note that drought-free conditions should not be confused with complete water security. Current readings of the mountain snow accumulation indicate it is roughly seven-tenths of the historical norm.
This snowpack, which accounts for a significant portion of the state's usable water as it thaws later in the year, is an essential component for long-term water security. Water officials point out that it is premature to draw conclusions for the annual water supply.
“The current pattern right now is increased rainfall over snowfall,” explained a hydrology section chief. “The goal is the snow accumulation to pick up by 1 April so that we’re approaching the typical mark.”
Although the monitor is entirely green, the focus now shifts to maintaining this precious water balance during the coming seasons.
