Positive Trends, Record Snowpack, and Executive Measures for Groundwater Recharge
By Dolores Quintana
The NIDIS Drought website has reported that for 2023, California is no longer in a drought. As of October 17’s report, only 5.68% of California is experiencing Abnormally Dry (D0) conditions.
NIDIS’ findings are most encouraging, especially since the weather will likely continue to be wetter than normal. The findings are:
- The California-Nevada Drought Early Warning System region commenced Water Year 2023 with 100% drought coverage but concluded with less than 1% drought.
- Cool and wet weather conditions contributed to a record snowpack in the Southern Sierra Nevada and the resurgence of Tulare Lake.
- In response to the wet conditions, a California executive order from Governor Gavin Newsome was issued to optimize opportunities for groundwater recharge.
- El Niño is present and expected to persist and peak in winter. However, current outlooks indicate equal chances of above-, below-, and near-normal conditions. This contrasts with the traditional El Niño precipitation pattern, which typically brings normal to wet conditions to the southern portion of the California-Nevada region.
It’s hard to know exactly what the El Niño will bring. California had 23 atmospheric rivers in 2023, but the state is in a much better position going into 2024.
