Overview
- Data valid Jan. 6 shows 100% of California free of drought or abnormal dryness for the first time since Dec. 26, 2000.
- A series of late-December and early-January storms and atmospheric rivers soaked the state, reversing conditions and causing flooding and avalanche hazards.
- State records report the 17 major reservoirs at roughly 129% of average levels, bolstering near-term water supplies.
- Sierra Nevada snow-water equivalent measured 6.5 inches at the end of December, about 71% of average with peak snow months still to come.
- Scientists caution the map reflects recent surface wetness, with groundwater deficits and climate-driven weather swings posing ongoing risks even as wildfire danger is currently very low.