Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture Drought Monitor
Posted on 03/27/2017 9:27:54 PM PDT by Ernest_at_the_Beach
Guest post by David Middleton
Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture Drought Monitor
MARCH 22, 2017
Record precipitation, snowpack in California expected to increase hydro generation in 2017
For the first time since 2011, California’s drought is significantly weakening—a result of one of the wettest winters on record. California has experienced record levels of precipitation this winter, and unlike last winter, cooler temperatures over the 2016–2017 winter season have enabled the precipitation to build up snowpack (the total accumulated snow and ice on the ground). High precipitation and snowpack levels, both of which supply hydroelectric generators throughout the year, suggest that hydroelectric generation in California in 2017 will significantly exceed 2016 levels.
Although the drought state of emergency declared by California authorities in January 2014 is still in place, drought conditions have noticeably improved, and the northern half of the state is no longer classified in any stage of drought severity. The area of the state classified as being in exceptional drought (D4), the most extreme category, has dropped to zero, a significant improvement over the 40% and 35% of the state’s land area classified as being in exceptional drought in March 2015 and 2016, respectively. However, 23% of the state—mostly regions in the south—is still in a moderate drought (category D1) status or worse. Mandatory water restrictions, enacted for the first time in the state’s history in April 2015, remain in effect in California. State officials are expected to wait until the full winter season ends in April to amend or rescind the state’s emergency drought declaration.
Snowpack levels have increased significantly from the near-zero levels measured in the Sierra Nevada Mountains in April 2015. As of March 21, 2017, the California Department of Water Resources reported that statewide snowpack was 158% of normal for that date. A more important metric when considering snowpack is the snow water equivalent (SWE)—the total amount of water contained within the snowpack. California’s SWE levels have noticeably increased this year, and as of March 21, the California Department of Water Resources reported that the statewide snow water equivalent was also 158% of average for that date.
[…]
Snowpack and SWE are strong drivers of hydroelectric generation because runoff from melting snowpack feeds hydroelectric plants in the spring and summer months. California’s hydroelectric generation increased through most of 2016, especially toward the end of the year. Total 2016 hydroelectric generation in California was well above the 2013–2015 range and was nearly as high as the longer-term, pre-drought generation average over 2001–2010. High levels of SWE from the 2016–2017 winter suggest increases in hydroelectric generation in California later in 2017.
[…]
Source: California Nevada River Forecast Center Note: Click to enlarge.
Source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, Electric Power Monthly, and California Department of Water Resources Note: California snow water equivalent data for March 2017 is based on a partial set of monthly data.
So much for California’s “unending drought.”
California Precipitation Index (NOAA)
fyi
Trump gets elected, Libs in California go into state of shock and lessen global warming resulting in record chill causing snowfall and record snowpack in Sierras. More winning from Donald Trump.
Global warming causes drought and too much rain,no hurricanes and too many hurricanes, no tornadoes and strong tornadoes. It is very fickle
One thing that I have not heard California talking about is what happens in the event the rain continues well the well into spring while the snowpack is melting. If they thought they had trouble a month ago they will be peeing their pants then.
But the Glowingbull Warming hoax said there would be NO more snow by now.
If they had built proper dams and resivors to hold excess water when thyey have a drought they would be in much better shape. However the enviro wackos won’t let them.
Does this mean the Gorebull worming is over now? It seems to me that if you are the state of California, you’d want to catch every last drop of water and not let any of it go draining off into the Pacific or making flowers bloom in Death Valley. There are so many places in California that you can build reservoirs that there is no excuse to ever have a water crisis in California. Just don’t go asking non Californians to subsidize these projects for you.
The intelligent ones in CA have been promoting the construction of more reservoirs to accommodate Springtime snowpack melt. Instead, they release water from reservoirs into the ocean to accommodate snowmelt. Dumb!
The Truckee River flows to Nevada, so there is also a chance that Reno/Sparks floods this summer. Lake Tahoe is up 4.7 ft from the low point last fall. Lake Tahoe is currently 2 ft below the limit and the snowpack in the Tahoe basin is currently 200% the average snowpack... the spring melt has not yet begun in the Tahoe basin and all other higher elevations in the Sierra Nevadas. Unless we have a fairly warm spring, the summer melt will be ugly... and if the spring is warm and wet, the early melt will be ugly... the only positive outlook is a warm, dry spring. We shall see.
And Whoosh, there it goes right into the ocean.
Don’t need no stinkin’ reservoirs.
you would be wrong about the politicians wanting to catch every bit of water....
What was I “wrong” about? Your comment was strange. I said they should want to catch all the water and you said I was “wrong” about something. You seem fakey to me.
I think all those charts and graphs mean we have more snow this year.
When people drive highway 99, there are signs posted advocating building dams instead of trains to nowhere. Governor Brown, and the rest of the looney left prefer trains to nowhere.
Dear WMarshal.
re: “One thing that I have not heard California talking about is what happens in the event the rain continues well the well into spring while the snowpack is melting. If they thought they had trouble a month ago they will be peeing their pants then.”
I suggest you keep your attention to the Oroville Dam situation. In Feb. 2017, a mag. 2.7 EQ caused by a quarry not far from the dam, initiated a spillway failure, and all that came with that.
Look at the YouTube video of how that was made. It was designed, in the ‘60’s, for a FIFTY YEAR LIFESPAN. Do the math.
be good.
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