Overview
- California's April 1 survey Wednesday found statewide snow water at 18% of average, the second-lowest on record, reflecting a West where federal sensors show most basins far below normal.
- An unusually warm winter and a record mid-March heatwave shifted storms from snow to rain and sped an early melt that drained the mountains weeks ahead of schedule, which researchers say was made far more likely by climate change.
- Water agencies are cutting deliveries, with the Bureau of Reclamation projecting about 20% for some San Joaquin Valley irrigation districts and the State Water Project planning to meet roughly 30% of many cities' requests.
- On the Colorado River, federal forecasts indicate Lake Powell will likely drop below the minimum level needed to generate power in late 2026, threatening electricity from Glen Canyon Dam.
- Reservoirs in parts of California remain high, but the shift to earlier runoff means less water later in summer and a higher chance of an early, longer fire season.