A California Reservoir Infamously Depleted By Drought Rises 5 Metres In 10 Days

A California Reservoir Infamously Depleted By Drought Rises 5 Metres In 10 Days

A series of big storms sending much-needed rain and snow to Northern California has dramatically replenished a drought-stricken reservoir that was on the brink of disaster. Thanks, El Niño!

Like Folsom Lake, which I profiled in depth (um, shallowness) last winter, Lake Oroville is one of those reservoirs you probably know quite well from photos. Dramatic images of sediment-ringed banks and boat docks resting on the dusty lakebed made national headlines in the US, like a drone video that was featured on NBC Nightly News in May of 2015.

A California Reservoir Infamously Depleted By Drought Rises 5 Metres In 10 Days

Lake Oroville on 20 July 2011 (photo by Paul Hames/California Department of Water Resources via Getty Images) and on 19 August 2014 (photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images)

On 9 December 2015, Lake Oroville had recorded its lowest water level for the year and was very close to reaching its lowest water level ever. But then El Niño arrived! And by yesterday evening, the water level in Lake Oroville had risen 5m in 10 days, the Department of Water Resources told KRCR.

A California Reservoir Infamously Depleted By Drought Rises 5 Metres In 10 Days

Here is the part where I issue the standard disclaimer: No, the drought is not over. Refilled reservoirs are good news, but California also needs more snowpack. Luckily, there’s very good news on that front as well.

A California Reservoir Infamously Depleted By Drought Rises 5 Metres In 10 Days

Yes, that’s four critical locations across California reporting snowpack that’s at or above normal levels for this date.

Come on, El Niño. Bring it.

[KRCR]


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