Though rain is forecast this week, it appears drought conditions may intensify if we have another year of low rainfall, and with the continued lack of water storage public leadership has built, that is a problem increasing in depth as the population increases.
Low snowpack heightens fears of new drought
By Matt Weiser - Bee Staff Writer
Published 12:00 am PDT Tuesday, May 1, 2007
California's final snow survey of the year, taking place today in the Sierra Nevada, is expected to reveal early signs of a drought.
Automated monitors already show the snowpack's water content is only 29 percent of average. Today's field measurement is expected to confirm that -- perhaps producing even worse numbers.
The National Drought Mitigation Center, based in Lincoln, Neb., has declared drought conditions in nearly all of California. Its Web site paints the state in shades of dry, ranging from yellow to deep red -- deeper trouble -- from north to south.
Mark Svoboda, climatologist at the center, said 27 percent of the western United States was in drought at this time last year. Now it's 51 percent.
"All in all, the drought has got a strong foothold on the region," Svoboda said.
"Right now there's nothing in the cards saying it's going to be over until we reassess this time next year, at least in the case of California."
