Southern California Reservoirs May Get a Boost
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources.
Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content.
A late-season winter storm could give Southern California a boost in snowpack that will benefit the region's water supply following below-average snow levels during the winter.
Newsweek reached out to the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) via email for comment on Friday.
Why It Matters
After an underwhelming early winter season, concerns grew that California's reservoirs—key to managing drought and water supply for millions—would struggle to meet demands. However, recent storms helped change the outlook. The April snow survey of the year was conducted on March 28 by the DWR, and snowpack was measured at 90 percent of average statewide.
But Northern and Central California received more snow than Southern California, which remained "exceptionally dry," according to DWR officials. Despite this, reservoir levels across California, including Southern California facilities, are trending above historical norms for this time of year.
What To Know
Typically, significant winter storms end before April 1, but this year's unusual weather pattern is bringing additional snow to areas that had been trailing their seasonal averages.
The National Weather Service (NWS) issued a Winter Weather Advisory for the Southern California mountains, forecasting up to 7 inches of new snow accumulation in higher elevations through the weekend. The late April snowfall, combined with an already near-average Sierra Nevada snowpack, signals encouraging prospects for the state's water supplies.
In an aerial view, very low water levels are seen at Castaic Lake reservoir during a drought on July 8, 2022, near Castaic, California.
In an aerial view, very low water levels are seen at Castaic Lake reservoir during a drought on July 8, 2022, near Castaic, California.
David McNew/Getty
Although the Sierra Nevada, which supplies about one-third of California's water, did not exceed record highs this year, officials emphasized the significance of reaching near-normal levels after a dry start to the season. Despite being near average, this year's snowpack is much below snowpack levels in 2023 and 2024.
In 2023, California snowpack peaked at 241 percent of average. The impressive snowfall alleviated California's drought throughout the year. Snowfall peaked at 113 percent of average in 2024.
Even though this year didn't perform as well as the past two years, the DWR reported on March 25 that State Water Project allocations were increased to 40 percent—up from 30 percent in December—thanks to a wet winter and improved hydrologic outlooks.
While conditions are significantly better than in recent drought years, officials caution that one good season doesn't fix long-term water supply issues. Still, the replenishment is a welcome reprieve for a state where water security is a constant concern.
What People Are Saying
A DWR spokesperson previously told Newsweek: "The April 1 snowpack is an important benchmark for water managers who rely on snowpack and snowmelt runoff forecast data to plan for the amount of water that will flow into California's rivers and reservoirs in the spring. The State Water Project and water districts use this data to plan for how much water will be available for urban and agricultural water users during the drier summer and fall months."
The NWS office in Los Angeles, in its Winter Weather Advisory: "Be prepared for slippery roads. Slow down and use caution while driving. If you are going outside, watch your first few steps taken on stairs, sidewalks, and driveways. These surfaces could be icy and slippery, increasing your risk of a fall and injury."
What Happens Next
The advisory will remain in place until Sunday morning. It remains unclear if more late-season winter storms will move through Southern California before the arrival of warmer temperatures.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Newsweek
5 hours ago
- Newsweek
Map Shows Which States Could Be Impacted by Saharan Dust
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Clouds of Saharan dust carried by winds across the Atlantic Ocean are expected to cause hazy skies over parts of Florida, the Southeast, and the Gulf Coast this week, according to forecasters. Why It Matters Health officials warn that deteriorating air quality poses a health risk to the public, particularly for sensitive groups such as children, older adults, and those with preexisting conditions. What To Know Forecasters at AccuWeather said most of the plume would arrive in Florida by early Wednesday, extending across more of the Southeast by Thursday. In some areas, dust and smoke may combine, creating a particularly hazy or dull sky and worse air quality than if only one element were present, the outlet said, though it also said the majority of Saharan dust is forecast to stay suspended thousands of feet above the ground, with little effect on surface-level air quality. The dust originated in the Sahara Desert, AccuWeather said, where strong winds regularly blow dry air and dust westward from late spring through early fall. An AccuWeather map shows which areas could be impacted by Saharan dust this week. An AccuWeather map shows which areas could be impacted by Saharan dust this week. AccuWeather Much of the U.S. is also being impacted by wildfire smoke from neighboring Canada, which has already prompted numerous air quality alerts in roughly a dozen states. As of early Thursday, the National Weather Service (NWS) had published alerts for a slew of states, including parts of Maine, Michigan, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York, Maryland, Nebraska, Illinois, Indiana, Wisconsin, and Iowa. Smoke from the blazes was expected to increase the concentration of fine particulates, according to the numerous air-quality alerts, and residents in affected areas were advised to consider limiting strenuous outdoor physical activity to reduce the risk of adverse health effects. What People Are Saying AccuWeather meteorologist Alex DaSilva said, in an advisory shared with Newsweek on Wednesday: "This is the biggest Saharan dust plume that we've seen so far this year. It is very common to see large plumes of Saharan dust coming across the Atlantic toward the United States in June and July." "Many people will notice more colorful sunrises and sunsets, and a milky or hazy look in the sky." Today In Florida weather anchor Vivian Gonzalez said on X, formerly Twitter, Thursday: "If you suffer from respiratory issues or allergies, the air quality is moderate due to the thicker plume of Saharan Dust that has settled across South Florida. Please take the proper precautions." What Happens Next In an advisory shared with Newsweek on Wednesday, AccuWeather forecast that impacts from Saharan dust would be noticeable across parts of the Southeast and Gulf Coasts by Friday.
Newsweek
6 hours ago
- Newsweek
California Severe Gale Warning, 14ft Waves, All Boats Ordered to Safe Harbor
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A severe gale warning and hazardous seas declaration affected waters off Northern California on Thursday, with the National Weather Service (NWS) in Eureka urging all boats to seek safe harbor as waves forecast to reach 14 feet and wind gusts to top 40 knots. The warnings applied to mariners from Cape Mendocino to Point Arena, covering a stretch 10 to 60 nautical miles offshore. These warnings meant boaters along the coast faced immediate risk of capsizing or damage due to extreme sea and wind conditions. Interactive maps from showed the affected areas. The Gale Warning, issued at 2:55 a.m. PDT, remained in effect until 9:00 a.m., with a Hazardous Seas Warning taking over until 10:00 p.m. on June 5. There was a separate storm warning for mariners and coastal communities in Oregon from Florence to Cape Blanco, as officials enforced advisories across the region. Why It Matters This round of urgent warnings came as wave heights and winds intensified across the Pacific coast, creating dangerous surf, powerful rip currents, and the potential for maritime accidents. As California moves into its transitional spring-to-summer period, the scope and strength of these NWS alerts raised serious safety concerns for boaters, swimmers, surfers, and beach visitors. Recurring fatalities linked to rip currents and sneaker waves have amplified calls for public caution and compliance with official instructions. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) data showed more than two dozen deaths from rip currents and sneaker waves already in 2025, including four in California, underscoring the life-threatening nature of these hazards. Immediate public awareness and preventive action can mitigate further tragedies. What To Know NWS Issues Major Marine Advisories The hazardous conditions off the coast from Cape Mendocino to Point Arena saw north winds of 25 to 35 knots, with gusts up to 40 knots (about 46 miles per hour), and seas building from 12 to 14 feet, according to the NWS Eureka office. The warned impacts included capsizing and watercraft damage along with sharply reduced visibility. Authorities specified that "mariners should alter plans to avoid these hazardous conditions. Remain in port, seek safe harbor, alter course, and/or secure the vessel for severe conditions." Statewide, Warnings Create Widespread Risk Dangerous conditions have extended along California's entire coast throughout early June. From the Oregon border to San Diego, NWS issued a combination of gale warnings, hazardous seas, and beach hazards statements. The situation was not limited to offshore waters. Beach hazard statements remained in effect for the greater Los Angeles, Ventura County, Malibu, and Orange County coastlines due to long-period south swells generating surf to 6 feet and hazardous rip currents. These conditions were forecast to persist through the week, endangering swimmers and surfers alike. Precedent of Recent Fatalities NOAA's tracking showed 26 U.S. fatalities related to rip current and sneaker wave hazards in 2025, including four California deaths: a 39-year-old man and an 8-year-old boy at Cowell Ranch State Beach (January 19), a 43-year-old man at Gerstle Cove (March 3), and a man in his 70s at Rodeo Beach (March 25). Official Guidance for Mariners and Public Authorities repeatedly stressed compliance with safety advisories. Mariners were asked to secure vessels, seek safe harbor, or remain docked while hazardous conditions continued. What Happens Next High winds and elevated wave heights are expected to persist across the California coast through at least late June 5, with gradual easing forecast by June 6 or later, as officials continue to monitor weather developments and urge strict compliance with all marine advisories.
Newsweek
6 hours ago
- Newsweek
Golden Retriever's Response to Wearing Boots on Paws Goes Viral
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. A golden retriever from Charlotte, North Carolina, has taken the internet by storm with his hilarious reaction to wearing paw booties for the first time. His bewildered expression, caught on camera and shared on TikTok on Monday, under the username @adventuresofpilot, has left users in hysterics. In the video, Pilot stands completely still, with his fluffy tail stuck up, visibly unsure about what to make of the unfamiliar clothing item. "Free entertainment, putting booties on your dog," the poster writes in the clip, as she encourages the pup to walk on his booties. "Are you frozen? What are you doing?" she can be heard saying, "Pilot, come here let's go. Pilot it's OK!" until he finally takes a few wobbly steps. "Good job baby, good boy!" she continues. While dogs don't generally need boots to protect their paws, doggy shoes do offer various benefits, particularly for active dogs, or those exposed to extreme weather conditions. Boots can help protect paws from injuries, burns, frostbite, rough terrain, and allergies, says Small Door Veterinary. They can also shield dogs form ice, snow, and harmful de-icing chemicals in winter, and prevent burns in the summer. While dogs' paws are naturally tough and resistant, boots can also be helpful when they have an injury, to prevent infections. The American Kennel Club (AKC) explains that different types of boots are suited for various outdoors conditions. Hiking boots offer traction and stability, while lightweight breathable boots help prevent cracked pads in hot weather. To find the right fit, you should measure your pup's paws with the help of a piece of paper, and then find boots that fit snug but not too tight, to ensure they stay on while your dog moves, but that they also don't restrict blood flow. A stock image shows a golden retriever sitting down on the floor, looking confused. A stock image shows a golden retriever sitting down on the floor, looking confused. getty images The video quickly went viral on TikTok and it has so far received over 735,500 views and 118,100 likes on the platform. One user, Lindsi, commented: "Putting shoes on dogs is one of my favorite things. They eventually get used to it, but the adjustment phase is gold. And then of course they can also walk when it's hot outside, and sound like little horses." Hastings said: "[He]'s giving ballerina [lovely] cappuccina [happy] mimimimi." Lizzie C added: "He's raging but looking so elegant doing it." Newsweek reached out to @adventuresofpilot for comment via email. We could not verify the details of the case. Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life@ with some details about your best friend and they could appear in our Pet of the Week lineup.
