![A man waits at Menlo Park Train Station on a wet, rainy evening, something that California rarely sees. [Source: Dllu]](http://www.jstudentboard.com/reporter/wp-content/uploads/2017/02/2-7-dought.jpg)
However, this winter saw excessive amounts of rain throughout the whole state. Over the past few weeks, an overwhelming amount of precipitation has restored water levels in reservoirs, brought back “dead” rivers, and covered high mountain ranges, such as the San Gabriel Mountains, in plush snow. As a result, scientists and residents as well have questioned whether the seemingly interminable drought has ended.
Statistically, according to the United States drought monitor, the city of Los Angeles, between Jan. 20 and 22, received 4.18 inches of rain, which is more than it got in all of 2013, 3.6 inches. Furthermore, in the whole month of January alone, southern California has received more rain with 8.38 inches, which exceeds that of the entirety of 2012 (8.15 inches) and 2015 (7.66 inches).
In some reservoirs, such as the one located in San Luis, there has been a 110 foot rise in water levels, and storage capacity has surged from 10 percent to over 80 percent. Mammoth Mountain, a popular destination for tourists in California, has received a staggering 20 feet of snow. Similar trends such as these are emerging throughout the whole state of California.
In short terms, the drought is essentially over. Dry, arid farmland all across the state has been replenished with moisture (maybe a little too much in some areas, causing floods) and water outlook is at its best since over a decade ago. Even the state government is considering to rescind its emergency issue.
Looking to the future, however, the state of drought should not be dismissed. Prior to this season, no new reservoirs were established, nor any other storage options. It is only a matter of time before the water supply is at its low again, especially with the millions of new residents that have moved to California in the past decade. Additionally, there is still the daunting possibility that the state will not see this level of precipitation for several years. As a whole, water conservation efforts should continue to be instigated, and water levels carefully monitored.
Ultimately, the recent showers have made a small step toward a drought-free California. Overall, the drought is still very much alive and cannot be wholly dismissed because of one wet year. The water system is undeniably out of balance, so residents can expect new scientific developments for water conservation and storage in the next few years.
