California's rainy season is in full swing after a dry start to winter. The state has experienced a series of storms, including December downpours in Ventura County and Santa Barbara, flash floods in San Diego, and mudslides in Los Angeles. These deluges have helped prevent a return to the drought that has plagued the state for the past decade.
Despite the significant rainfall in Southern California, it remains uncertain if the state will experience a very wet year overall. Northern California is approaching its annual average precipitation, with some time left in the wet season.
The Sierra Nevada snowpack, a crucial water source for California, has improved from a slow start. As of now, the snowpack's water content is 86% of normal levels to date and 69% of the April 1 average.
Water storage in California's major reservoirs has been above average, thanks to runoff from last year's historic snowpack. The State Water Project is forecasting an increase in water supplies for public agencies serving 27 million people. Lake Oroville, the largest reservoir, is currently at 134% of its average level.
Contractors of the Central Valley Project, a federally managed system supplying major farming districts, will also receive an increased allocation of water supplies. The situation could change with more storms in the coming weeks.
