Rain Ends Drought? Yes and No

The 210 on a rainy day, March 14, 2023 (Photo – Janine Tedros)

The current weather has been both a welcome relief and a difficult situation, particularly in our SoCal mountain communities.

By Briony James

Will these atmospheric rivers wash away the recent drought in California? Yes and no, apparently. The recent storms have certainly put a dent, perhaps a nail, in it. Throughout the last three years, California plunged into drought:  reservoirs depleted visibly, lawns went unwatered or were replaced by xeriscaping.

As of now, the snowpack is up to 212% normal with more than 100” to come.  The Sierras are stocked.  Reservoirs are filling.  However, this does not put that much of a dent in the groundwater reserves of Central California, which are still perilously low. Northern California lakes are still low.  Understanding that California’s weather is unstable at best and subject to long periods with very little precipitation argues that, while the immediate drought may be considered ‘over’ by some experts, it would not take very long for the situation to once again become dire.

El Niño is expected next year, with more precipitation than usual, but groundwater reserves will need a great many more wet years for restoration.  Water management is a pressing priority for the state.  The ways in which we conserve water during wet periods and judiciously use those resources during dry times is going to be key to California’s future. Local projects for water capture and regional programs for long-term conservation will be keys to keeping us blooming.