California is Entirely Free of Drought for the First Time in 25 Years.

After a quarter-century span, not a single part of the state is enduring water scarcity. This significant achievement arrives after difficult years marked by below-average rain that exacerbated blaze threats and strained its huge agribusiness.

A Chart Reveals An Absence of Dryness

A recent update from the national drought tracker illustrated that all of California is free from dry or drought conditions. This shift was driven by weeks of significant storms that replenished key lakes like the state's largest lakes exceeding their typical levels.

“If you’re 25 or younger you’ve only known in a world where California has been in or emerging from drought,” stated a local meteorologist.

Following Powerful Weather to Wet Holidays

The path to this point included severe and lethal winter storms that battered the state in the not-too-distant past, resulting in extensive inundation, power outages, and tragic losses. While those storms started to mitigate the drought, they did not eliminate it.

As late as late December, pockets like Modoc County were deemed experiencing dryness. Substantial precipitation at the start of the new year washed away those last vestiges of dryness.

Essential Mountain Snowfall Presents a Challenge

But, hydrologists note that drought-free conditions should not be confused with being out of the woods. Current readings of the Sierra Nevada snowpack place it at approximately 70 percent of the typical level.

This snowpack, which provides about a third of the state's usable water as it runs off, is a key piece for long-term water security. State experts stress that it is premature to make predictions for the months ahead.

“What we are observing right now is more rain than snow,” explained a hydrology section chief. “We’d like to see the snow accumulation to pick up by the start of April so that we’re closer to average.”

Although the monitor is entirely green, the next challenge is to sustaining this hard-won hydrological health throughout the coming seasons.