Winter weather causes Lake Shasta to rise 35 feet

Lake Shasta rose more than 35 feet since mid‑December after a string of atmospheric rivers, and the reservoir is about 79% full (roughly 132% of normal for this time of year).

Lake Shasta near Redding has risen more than 35 feet since mid‑December. The rise follows a series of atmospheric rivers that delivered heavy rain and snow across California. Runoff and the recent storms have boosted reservoir levels and the state snowpack compared with past seasons. Officials say runoff may continue to increase lake levels even as some storm systems move on. Key facts: - Lake Shasta rose more than 35 feet since mid‑December and is at about 79% of capacity, which the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) reports as roughly 132% of normal for this time of year. - A string of atmospheric rivers brought heavy precipitation to the West Coast; NOAA describes atmospheric rivers as long, narrow regions that transport large amounts of water vapor. - Runoff is expected to continue raising Lake Shasta, and flood impacts were reported elsewhere in the state; rivers south of Redding were in minor flood stage with impacts expected to persist at least through Tuesday, according to NWS Sacramento. - Over a recent six‑day period, Redding received as much as about 3 inches of rain, NWS Sacramento said. - DWR data show other reservoirs above historical averages, including Cachuma Lake at about 101% of capacity (around 160% of its historical average) and Lake Oroville at about 74% of capacity (around 135% of its historical average). - The first snowpack survey of the season found statewide snowpack near 71% of the historical average, DWR said. Summary: The recent winter storms have raised reservoir levels and helped build a base for this year’s snowpack, leaving many major reservoirs above their historical averages. Forecasters expect a drier pattern later in the week, but runoff could still push Lake Shasta higher and some reports suggest it could rise another 10 feet; flood impacts in parts of the state are expected to continue.