California is drought-free for the first time in 25 years

The US Drought Monitor reports no part of California is experiencing drought or abnormal dryness, the first time since 2000. Recent heavy rains and several wet years refilled major reservoirs, though Sierra Nevada snowpack is around 70% of average.

California is reported to be completely drought-free, according to the US Drought Monitor, marking the first time in 25 years that no part of the state shows drought or abnormal dryness. A run of wet years and recent winter storms helped bring reservoirs back toward and above their historic averages. Lakes Shasta and Oroville rose after weeks of above-normal rainfall. Officials say the overall water outlook remains uncertain because snowpack levels are below average. Key facts: - The US Drought Monitor map shows no area of California in drought or abnormal dryness for the first time since 2000. - Recent heavy rainfall and a few wet years helped refill reservoirs, including Shasta and Oroville, above historic averages. - Parts of southern California experienced one of their wettest December holiday seasons on record. - Phillips Station measurements put Sierra Nevada snowpack at about 70% of the average for this time of year. - Hydrology officials have noted a trend toward more rain than snow and said they hope to see snow accumulation increase by 1 April. - Intense winter storms in 2023 eased drought conditions at the time but did not fully eliminate the statewide drought then. Summary: This change removes the US Drought Monitor designation statewide after a quarter-century of intermittent dryness that had affected wildfire activity and agriculture. Hydrologists say it is too early to draw firm conclusions about the year's water supply because snowpack — which supplies about a third of the state's water — remains below average. Officials are watching snow accumulation through April to assess spring runoff and water availability.