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4mo ago

California Boosts Water Allocations as Reservoirs Near Record Capacities

State Water Project raises allocations to 50% of requests, supported by 100% Sierra snowpack and surging reservoir levels.

Lake Shasta, the largest reservoir in California, reached full capacity on Tuesday thanks to a winter with plenty of snow and rain.
Lake Oroville is seen filled with water in Oroville, California, on April 16, 2023. Lake Oroville is the largest reservoir in the State Water Project.
A graphic from the California Department of Water Resources shows current reservoir conditions as of April 28, 2025.

Overview

  • The California Department of Water Resources increased State Water Project allocations to 50% of requested supplies for 2025, up from 40% last month.
  • Lake Oroville, the largest reservoir in the State Water Project, is 95% full and projected to reach capacity for the third consecutive year, a first in its history.
  • California's reservoirs collectively stand at 118% of normal storage, with Lake Shasta at full capacity and San Luis Reservoir at 83% full and 101% of its historical average.
  • The Sierra Nevada snowpack peaked at 100% of its seasonal average on April 4, providing critical runoff to replenish reservoirs and support water allocations.
  • Officials emphasize the need for infrastructure updates, such as the Delta Conveyance Project, to maximize water storage during wet years while addressing environmental concerns.