California is Completely Free of Drought for the First Time in Two and a Half Decades.
For the first time in 25 years, every region of the state is enduring dryness. This landmark event follows grueling years marked by a lack of precipitation that intensified fire dangers and strained its huge agribusiness.
An Update Reveals No Dryness
Thursday's report from the national drought tracker confirmed that California in its entirety is clear of drought or abnormal dryness. This change came after weeks of above-normal rainfall that helped fill major reservoirs like Oroville and Shasta well above their long-term norms.
“If you’re 25 or younger you’ve spent your life in a world where California has been entering or recovering from drought,” stated a local meteorologist.
Following Powerful Weather to Soggy Celebrations
The path to this point featured powerful and fatal winter storms that battered the state in recent years, leading to significant overflow, blackouts, and deaths. Although that weather began to alleviate the drought, they did not eliminate it.
Until late December, pockets like the state's northeast corner were still classified as abnormally dry. Subsequent downpours at the beginning of January eliminated those final dry conditions.
Essential Mountain Snowfall Is Below Average
Yet, hydrologists note that being out of drought should not be confused with being out of the woods. Latest data of the Sierra Nevada snowpack show it at roughly seven-tenths of the average for this date.
This mountain snow, which accounts for approximately 30% of the state's water as it runs off, is an essential component for future water availability. Hydrology managers have emphasized that it is not yet time to determine the outlook for the annual water supply.
“The current pattern right now is more rain than snow,” said a California water official. “Our hope is for the snow accumulation to pick up by April 1st so that we’re nearer to normal.”
While the drought map is entirely green, the next challenge is to sustaining this hard-won hydrological health throughout the coming seasons.
