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For All Their Ferocity, California Storms Were Not Likely Caused by Global Warming, Experts Say

/in , /by /Los Angeles Timesby Louis Sahagun

As California emerges from a two-week bout of deadly atmospheric rivers, a number of climate researchers say the recent storms appear to be typical of the intense, periodic rains the state has experienced throughout its history and not the result of global warming.

Although scientists are still studying the size and severity of storms that killed 19 people and caused up to $1 billion in damage, initial assessments suggest the destruction had more to do with California’s historic drought-to-deluge cycles, mountainous topography and aging flood infrastructure than it did with climate-altering greenhouse gasses.

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Opinion: Suddenly, Water is Everywhere. So Are Questions About Saving More of It.

/in , , /by /The San Diego Union-Tribuneby Michael Smolens Mentioned: San Diego County Water Authority

Many years ago, scientists predicted climate change would result in more intense weather swings, the likes of which California is currently experiencing: extended stretches of drought interrupted by periods of hard rains.

Now as before, people raise the same question when atmospheric rivers hit and massive storm runoff flows into the ocean: Why can’t we capture more of that and store it for the dry seasons?

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All the Rain and Snow in California May Result in a Big Year for Hydro — and That’s Good News for the Grid

/in , , /by /The San Diego Union-Tribuneby Rob Nikolewski

Torrential rain across California in recent weeks has caused plenty of misery, but it could also generate some good news on the energy front: If rain and snow totals hold up, all the precipitation will boost hydroelectric production — and that would help the Golden State’s electric grid, especially in the summertime when the system comes under strain.

“Based on the reservoir levels and what we’re seeing this year, we expect to have more hydroelectricity generated this year than we have for the last several years,” said Lindsay Buckley, director of communications at the California Energy Commission.

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Growers Brace to Give Up Some Colorado River Water

/in , , /by /CalMattersby Alastair Bland

Across the sun-cooked flatlands of the Imperial Valley, water flows with uncanny abundance. The valley, which straddles the U.S.-Mexico border, is naturally a desert. Yet canals here are filled with water, lush alfalfa grows from sodden soil and rows of vegetables stretch for miles.

Within this grid of greenery, near the desert town of Brawley, Mark McBroom grows 6,000 acres of hay crops, like alfalfa, and fruit orchards, all irrigated by water imported from the Colorado River.

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California Faces Catastrophic Flood Dangers — and a Need to Invest Billions in Protection

/in , , /by /Los Angeles Timesby Ian James

The storms that have been battering California offer a glimpse of the catastrophic floods that scientists warn will come in the future and that the state is unprepared to endure.

Giant floods like those that inundated the Central Valley in 1861 and 1862 are part of California’s natural cycle, but the latest science shows that the coming megafloods, intensified by climate change, will be much bigger and more destructive than anything the state or the country has ever seen.

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Here’s Where These Northern California Reservoirs’ Levels Stand After Weeks of Rain

/in , , /by /KCRAby Jonathan Ayestas

Without a doubt, weeks of rain and snow since late December are absolutely helping with California’s water supply.

But how much help exactly is a question many have been asking. KCRA 3 Chief Meteorologist Mark Finan goes over where water reservoirs in Northern California stand. Spoiler alert: It’s a lot of good news.

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500 Mudslides, Flooded Communities, Broken Bridges: California Faces Long, Costly Storm Recovery

/in , , /by /Los Angeles Timesby Summer Lin

A pier in Santa Cruz split in half. Extensive flooding in Soquel Village, Capitola and Planada. Vital bridges badly battered or closed. More than 500 reported mudslides across California in the last few weeks, including some that damaged homes and cars in L.A. hillside communities.

The atmospheric river storms that pummeled California for weeks inflicted “extensive” damage to as many as 40 of the state’s 58 counties, and total repairs could reach as much as $1 billion, according to authorities.

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Storms Force California to Look Harder at Capturing Rainfall to Ease Drought

/in , , /by /Politicoby Camille Von Kaenel

After the driest three years in the state’s modern history, California suddenly has a different problem on its hands: too much water.

An ongoing series of storms drenching the state has forced officials to take measures unfathomable just a month ago, like releasing excess water from reservoirs and pumping surging river flows into storage.

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In One of the Snowiest Places in the West, A Scientist Hunts for Clues to the Sierra Snowpack’s Future

/in , , /by /Water Education Foundationby Nick Cahill

Growing up in the shadow of the Rocky Mountains, Andrew Schwartz never missed an opportunity to play in – or study – a Colorado snowstorm. During major blizzards, he would traipse out into the icy wind and heavy drifts of snow pretending to be a scientist researching in Antarctica. Decades later, still armed with an obsession for extreme weather, Schwartz has landed in one of the snowiest places in the West, leading a research lab whose mission is to give California water managers instant information on the depth and quality of snow draping the slopes of the Sierra Nevada — snow that is crucial for the state’s water supply.

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Water Managers Across Drought-Stricken West Agree on One Thing: ‘This is Going to be Painful’

/in , , /by /Nevada Current / AZ Mirror by Jennifer Solis

Water authorities in the Western U.S. don’t have a crystal ball, but rapidly receding reservoirs uncovering sunken boats and other debris lost in their depths decades ago give a clear view of the hard choices ahead.

If western states do not agree on a plan to safeguard the Colorado River — the source of the region’s vitality — there won’t be enough water for anyone.

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