California was hit with 78 trillion gallons of water this historic winter, enough to fill Lake Tahoe twice or 110 million Olympic-sized swimming pools.
Statewide, between Oct. 1 and March 20, residents saw an average of nearly 28 inches of rainwater, plus the snowwater equivalent — the amount of rainwater that would make up even if it wasn’t solid.
Despite the amount of water that could fill the Rose Bowl 900,000 times, this is not the wettest winter season California has ever seen. The Golden State recorded the most rainfall between 1982 and 1983, averaging 42.81 inches, according to California climatologist Michael Anderson.
However, this is about 25 billion gallons more than the annual average of 52 billion, or 18.6 inches.
In addition, some of the higher-elevation cities received an average of 18 feet, or about 700 inches, of snow, according to USA Today.
California was hit by 78 billion gallons of water this historic winter, enough to fill Lake Tahoe twice or 110 million Olympic-sized swimming pools (Photo: Kernville on March 10).
Across the state, residents saw an average of nearly 28 inches of rainwater, plus the equivalent of snow water, between Oct. 1 and March 20 (Photo: San Joaquin County on March 21).
Despite the amount of water that could fill the Rose Bowl 900,000 times, this is not the wettest winter season California has ever seen. The Golden State had the most rainfall between 1982 and 1983, averaging 42.81 inches (Photo: Pajaro on March 14)
San Francisco experienced hurricane-force winds last week as 12 atmospheric storms battered the state
Weather.com meteorologist Chris Dolce said the amount of snow was equivalent to that of three giraffes stacked on top of each other.
The Central Sierra Snow Lab recorded 17 feet of snow. The average is 30 feet.
According to the California Department of Water Resources, the water content of the Central Sierra’s snowpack is nearly 235 percent higher than the April 1 average.
With all the extra rainfall from the 12 atmospheric storms that hit the state and the extra snowfall, California was less affected by drought. In January, the Golden State had a 100 percent drought, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor, while now it’s only 36 percent.
In addition, some of the higher elevation cities received an average of 18 feet of snow, or about 700 inches, and are surrounded by high snowdrifts (Photo: Lake Tahoe).
The Central Sierra Snow Lab recorded 17 feet of snow. The average is 30 feet (Photo: Mammoth Lakes on March 29)
More snow is expected at higher elevations like Mammoth Lakes Wednesday through Friday
“It is clear that the amount of water that fell this year greatly reduced the drought. It hasn’t completely ended the drought, but we’re in a very different place than we were a year ago,” UCLA climate scientist Daniel Swain said, according to USA Today.
Earlier this month, Kernville was so badly hit by flooding that videos showed homes and playgrounds surrounded by rushing water, while Lake Tahoe residents were stranded and surrounded by thick snow that reached their roofs.
Gale-force winds battered San Francisco, leaving more than 230,000 people without power. At least one person has died after wind gusts – reaching more than 120 miles per hour – knocked down a tree near the Portolla Valley.
This week’s storm could also cause more flooding in the state, which is still recovering from the floods (Photo: Corcoran on March 29).
A car braved the flooding in Corcoran on March 29
California is once again bracing for another storm expected to last Wednesday and into Friday.
It greatly affects higher elevations and can cause runoff and excessive flooding. Snowfall in the Sierra Nevada can be up to a meter.
Strong winds are expected to affect much of California, Nevada, southern Oregon and northwestern Arizona, according to NPR. The Northern Rockies can expect temperatures in the 30s and 40s while the rest of California will be in the 50s.
Governor Gavin Newsom asked the President for an explanation about a major disaster caused by extreme weather conditions. If passed, it will help residents affected by the storms.
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James is an author and travel journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a love for exploring new cultures and discovering unique destinations, James brings his readers on a journey with him through his articles.
