California Water Levels Compared to This Time Last Year

By Anna Skinner

Senior Reporter

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Water levels at California's major reservoirs are in a better state than they were this time last year, a spokesperson with the state's Department of Water Resources (DWR) told Newsweek.

"Major reservoirs statewide are currently 115 percent of average for this date, an increase from 112 percent of average at the start of November thanks to recent precipitation," the spokesperson said.

Why It Matters

California’s water storage levels have surged to some of the highest seen in recent years, providing critical relief after years of persistent drought.

All of the state’s major reservoirs, which serve as key water sources for nearly 40 million residents and vast agricultural operations, now hold 100 percent of the average capacity for this time of year or above, helping to safeguard water supplies for the hotter, drier months ahead.

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What to Know

This time last year, statewide reservoirs were at 112 percent of average capacity, putting current conditions in a slightly improved state.

Reservoirs performing exceptionally well in Southern California include Diamond Valley Reservoir, which is at 94 percent capacity or 134 percent of its historical average, and Lake Casitas, at 91 percent capacity and 120 percent of its historical average.

State water officials attribute the rise to recent precipitation that came in the form of an atmospheric river.

Atmospheric rivers are long, narrow regions in the atmosphere—like rivers in the sky—that transport water vapor outside of the tropics, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The storms brought by atmospheric rivers are known for heavy snow, heavy rain and strong winds. They are more commonly found on the West Coast, particularly during the winter months.

The moisture-laden storm tracked further south than is usual for this time of year, bringing heavy rainfall to Southern California. In addition to eliminating drought in Los Angeles, Ventura, and Santa Barbara counties, the storm broke records in Los Angeles.

"BREAKING: Los Angeles is having its wettest start to the rainy season in nearly 60 years, receiving over 5 inches of rain in just the past week," extreme storm chaser Colin McCarthy posted on X.

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"[Since] October 1, LAX has picked up 6.40 inches of rain, the 3rd wettest start to the rainy season since records began in 1944. Only 1946 and 1967 saw wetter starts," he added.

What People Are Saying

The DWR spokesperson told Newsweek: "On this date last year, statewide reservoirs were at 112 percent of average. California is just starting this water year and water supply conditions at the end of the season will depend on how much precipitation the state receives in the months ahead."

DWR Director Karla Nemeth said in a press release when the new water year began in October: "There is no such thing as a normal water year in California. Just in the past two winters, deceptively average rain and snowfall totals statewide masked the extremely dry conditions in Southern California that contributed to devastating fires as well as flood events across the state from powerful atmospheric river events. California must be ready to respond to emergencies from droughts to floods to fires."

What Happens Next

While the current water levels are above average, state officials and experts warn that California is not free from risk. Prolonged drought cycles and changing climate patterns could quickly undermine current gains if dry conditions persist in future years.

Water managers continue to monitor snowpack runoff and reservoir inflows. Temporary abundance, while encouraging, underscores the ongoing need for careful management, conservation, and investments in infrastructure to prepare for inevitably dry years ahead.

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