There’s a rule in California that may seem bizarre in a drought-stricken state: in the winter, reservoirs aren’t allowed to fill up completely. In fact, even as this post goes up, a handful of reservoirs are releasing water to maintain empty space. The practice, which has long inflamed combatants in California’s water wars, is due […]
After a dismally dry February, drought-weary Californians are hoping a series of storms predicted to roll through in early March blanket the Sierra Nevada with a much-needed additional layer of snow, building up the state’s vital snowpack that all but disappeared last year. Starting Friday, forecasters are predicting a chance of rain or snow for […]
A group of technology experts from corporate, government and academic sectors is calling for immediate action to develop a comprehensive water innovation strategy for the United States before it’s too late. “It’s times for the United States to develop a long-term water strategy designed to accelerate research, drive commitments to action, and unlock funding for […]
The window is closing on California’s opportunity to have El Niño put a significant dent in the state’s epic drought — which one study has shown to be the most severe in 1,200 years. Snowpack in California’s Sierra Nevada range, a significant source of the state’s water, is definitely doing better than it did in […]
The water level at Lake Tahoe continues to rise, but a dry February is putting the brakes on the heavy snowpack that was fueling relief earlier this winter from four years of drought on both sides of the Sierra. Lake Tahoe has risen to within about 9 inches of its natural rim, but that’s still […]
NASA is breaking down the effects of El Nino across California and what the state should expect next. The agency says there’s good news and bad news. The good news is that warm El Nino water is still present in the Pacific, so there is still time to get some good El Nino storms in […]
California Reservoirs Are Dumping Water in a Drought, but Science Could Change That
/in California and the U.S. /by Mike Lee /KQED (San Francisco)by By Lauren SommerThere’s a rule in California that may seem bizarre in a drought-stricken state: in the winter, reservoirs aren’t allowed to fill up completely. In fact, even as this post goes up, a handful of reservoirs are releasing water to maintain empty space. The practice, which has long inflamed combatants in California’s water wars, is due […]
Will El Niño’s Punch Return in March? California Snowpack Needs Renewal of Drought-Busting Storms
/in California and the U.S. /by Mike Lee /San Jose Mercury Newsby By Emily Benson and Natalie JacewiczAfter a dismally dry February, drought-weary Californians are hoping a series of storms predicted to roll through in early March blanket the Sierra Nevada with a much-needed additional layer of snow, building up the state’s vital snowpack that all but disappeared last year. Starting Friday, forecasters are predicting a chance of rain or snow for […]
Water Experts Say Federal Action Needed to Avert Deepening Water Woes
/in California and the U.S. /by Mike Lee /Central Valley Business Times (Stockton)A group of technology experts from corporate, government and academic sectors is calling for immediate action to develop a comprehensive water innovation strategy for the United States before it’s too late. “It’s times for the United States to develop a long-term water strategy designed to accelerate research, drive commitments to action, and unlock funding for […]
BLOG: California Almost Out Of Time for El Niño Drought Relief
/in California and the U.S. /by Mike Lee /Discover Magazineby By Tom YulsmanThe window is closing on California’s opportunity to have El Niño put a significant dent in the state’s epic drought — which one study has shown to be the most severe in 1,200 years. Snowpack in California’s Sierra Nevada range, a significant source of the state’s water, is definitely doing better than it did in […]
Lake Tahoe Level Rises But Mild Weather Puts Brakes On Sierra Snowpack
/in California and the U.S. /by Mike Lee /CBS (San Francisco)The water level at Lake Tahoe continues to rise, but a dry February is putting the brakes on the heavy snowpack that was fueling relief earlier this winter from four years of drought on both sides of the Sierra. Lake Tahoe has risen to within about 9 inches of its natural rim, but that’s still […]
El Nino: NASA Describes What California Should Expect Next
/in California and the U.S. /by Mike Lee /ABC 30 (Fresno)by By Leslie LopezNASA is breaking down the effects of El Nino across California and what the state should expect next. The agency says there’s good news and bad news. The good news is that warm El Nino water is still present in the Pacific, so there is still time to get some good El Nino storms in […]