The current multi-year drought across the West is the most extensive and intense drought in the 22-year history of the U.S. Drought Monitor. Precipitation deficits during the first three months of 2022, across parts of the western U.S., are at or near record levels. As the climatological wet season ends across portions of the West, with below average snow cover and reservoirs […]
California’s drought is getting worse — and the drying lakes and reservoirs could severely disrupt the state’s ability to generate electricity ahead of the hot summer months. California’s energy commission says the state gets 10% of its electricity from power plants at dams along lakes and reservoirs. But when there’s no water, those plants are […]
The current multi-year drought across the West is the most extensive and intense drought in the 22-year history of the U.S. Drought Monitor. Precipitation deficits during the first three months of 2022, across parts of the western U.S., are at or near record levels. As the climatological wet season ends across portions of the West, with below average snow cover and reservoirs […]
Partnerships between water utilities, irrigation districts and other stakeholders in California will play a critical role in funding new infrastructure under the Water Resilience Portfolio Initiative announced in 2020 by Gov. Gavin Newsom, but a new study warns that benefits might not be evenly distributed without proper structure to the agreements. California’s initiative is a […]
California’s wet season wrapped up as a big disappointment, setting the stage for a third year of drought. Most of the state — about 96% — was categorized as having severe drought conditions as March came to a close, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. The continuing drought suggests more water restrictions are forthcoming as supplies […]
Federal and state water agencies have issued an urgency change to conserve more water in Lake Oroville and Shasta Lake. District 1 Rep. Doug LaMalfa announced Wednesday, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation and California Department of Water Resources have issued a temporary urgency change petition. It will be in effect now through June 30. The […]
Record Drought Conditions Across West Raise Concerns for Summer Dry Season
/in California and the U.S., Home Headline, Media Coverage /by Mike Lee /NOAA by National Centers for Environmental InformationThe current multi-year drought across the West is the most extensive and intense drought in the 22-year history of the U.S. Drought Monitor. Precipitation deficits during the first three months of 2022, across parts of the western U.S., are at or near record levels. As the climatological wet season ends across portions of the West, with below average snow cover and reservoirs […]
California’s Worsening Drought Could Disrupt Hydropower Electricity Generation This Summer
/in California and the U.S., Home Headline, Media Coverage /by Mike Lee /CBS Los Angelesby Darleene PowellsCalifornia’s drought is getting worse — and the drying lakes and reservoirs could severely disrupt the state’s ability to generate electricity ahead of the hot summer months. California’s energy commission says the state gets 10% of its electricity from power plants at dams along lakes and reservoirs. But when there’s no water, those plants are […]
Assessing the U.S. Climate in March 2022
/in California and the U.S., Media Coverage /by Mike Lee /National Centers for Environmental InformationThe current multi-year drought across the West is the most extensive and intense drought in the 22-year history of the U.S. Drought Monitor. Precipitation deficits during the first three months of 2022, across parts of the western U.S., are at or near record levels. As the climatological wet season ends across portions of the West, with below average snow cover and reservoirs […]
Study Examines Financial Risks of Water Resilience Planning in California
/in California and the U.S., Media Coverage /by Mike Lee /phys.orgPartnerships between water utilities, irrigation districts and other stakeholders in California will play a critical role in funding new infrastructure under the Water Resilience Portfolio Initiative announced in 2020 by Gov. Gavin Newsom, but a new study warns that benefits might not be evenly distributed without proper structure to the agreements. California’s initiative is a […]
California Drought: Disappointing Rain and Snow Mean Tighter Water Rules Ahead
/in California and the U.S., Home Headline, Media Coverage, Uncategorized /by Mike Lee /San Francisco Chronicleby Yoohyun Jung and Kurtis AlexanderCalifornia’s wet season wrapped up as a big disappointment, setting the stage for a third year of drought. Most of the state — about 96% — was categorized as having severe drought conditions as March came to a close, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. The continuing drought suggests more water restrictions are forthcoming as supplies […]
‘Urgency Change’ Will Allow More Water to Be Stored in Lake Oroville and Shasta Lake
/in California and the U.S., Home Headline, Media Coverage, Uncategorized /by Mike Lee /Action News Nowby Kelli SaamFederal and state water agencies have issued an urgency change to conserve more water in Lake Oroville and Shasta Lake. District 1 Rep. Doug LaMalfa announced Wednesday, the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation and California Department of Water Resources have issued a temporary urgency change petition. It will be in effect now through June 30. The […]