Drought is a tricky thing to define. It is not just a matter of how little water falls out of the sky. If it were, you would be forgiven for believing that California’s wettish winter had ended, or even alleviated, the worst drought in state history. But no. Despite the snow in the Sierra Nevada, […]
The completion of the state of Colorado’s Water Plan on November 19, 2015 reflects a growing trend in western water management away from conflict and towards collaborative discussion. Increasingly, western water managers are opting to pursue more creative, coordinated solutions to complex water issues, built on broad-based stakeholder participation.
A major money maker in California is making a comeback after recent rains. When it comes to California rice, 97 percent of it is grown in the Sacramento region. But California’s drought left a lot of rice fields barren. Now, Central Valley rice farmers are looking up as they reap the benefits of recent storms. Even though […]
The U.S. Drought Monitor released May 12 shows some minor improvement in California drought conditions and the removal of the short-term drought designation. But the seasonal outlook shows drought persisting through the dry season as California’s drought continues for a fifth consecutive year. “Based upon recent conditions and discussions that started last week, areas of D2 […]
The Sierra snowpack is melting quickly, sending water flowing into nearby rivers and reservoirs. This is the normal cycle for snowmelt but research by the California Department of Water Resources found now it’s happening sooner in the season. This means there’s a larger gap between peak runoff and peak demand. Snow in the Sierra is a great resource for […]
The Senate on Thursday approved a $37.5 billion measure to fund energy and water programs next year, the first of the 12 spending bills lawmakers must approve to keep the government operating. On a vote of 90-8, senators backed the legislation that would fund the Energy Department as well as infrastructure projects administered by the […]
Thanks El Niño, but California’s Drought is Probably Forever
/in California and the U.S. /by Mike Lee /Wired (Boone, Iowa)by By Nick StocktonDrought is a tricky thing to define. It is not just a matter of how little water falls out of the sky. If it were, you would be forgiven for believing that California’s wettish winter had ended, or even alleviated, the worst drought in state history. But no. Despite the snow in the Sierra Nevada, […]
Colorado’s State Water Plan Reflects Changing Attitudes Towards Western Water Management
/in California and the U.S. /by Mike Lee /The National Law Review (Western Springs, Ill.)The completion of the state of Colorado’s Water Plan on November 19, 2015 reflects a growing trend in western water management away from conflict and towards collaborative discussion. Increasingly, western water managers are opting to pursue more creative, coordinated solutions to complex water issues, built on broad-based stakeholder participation.
California Rice Farmers Optimistic After Wet Winter, Spring
/in California and the U.S. /by Mike Lee /CBS Sacramentoby By Ron JonesA major money maker in California is making a comeback after recent rains. When it comes to California rice, 97 percent of it is grown in the Sacramento region. But California’s drought left a lot of rice fields barren. Now, Central Valley rice farmers are looking up as they reap the benefits of recent storms. Even though […]
Severe And Extreme Drought Eases In California
/in California and the U.S. /by Mike Lee /Capital Public Radio (Sacramento)by By Ed JoyceThe U.S. Drought Monitor released May 12 shows some minor improvement in California drought conditions and the removal of the short-term drought designation. But the seasonal outlook shows drought persisting through the dry season as California’s drought continues for a fifth consecutive year. “Based upon recent conditions and discussions that started last week, areas of D2 […]
Sierra Snowmelt Peaking Earlier
/in California and the U.S. /by Mike Lee /ABC10 (Sacramento)by By Monica WoodsThe Sierra snowpack is melting quickly, sending water flowing into nearby rivers and reservoirs. This is the normal cycle for snowmelt but research by the California Department of Water Resources found now it’s happening sooner in the season. This means there’s a larger gap between peak runoff and peak demand. Snow in the Sierra is a great resource for […]
Senate Approves $37.5B Measure to Fund Energy, Water
/in California and the U.S. /by Mike Lee /ABC Newsby By Matthew DalyThe Senate on Thursday approved a $37.5 billion measure to fund energy and water programs next year, the first of the 12 spending bills lawmakers must approve to keep the government operating. On a vote of 90-8, senators backed the legislation that would fund the Energy Department as well as infrastructure projects administered by the […]