Moderators have previously warned the readers about the real possibility of California being “Mojavefied,” i.e, undergoing a rapid process of desertification, with the critical phase occurring by as early as 2011.
The following facts, including the new snow survey, supports our analysis:
California faces historic drought, snow survey says
California Facts:
- California is facing one of the worst droughts in its history! Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger said.
- The ‘Golden State’ produces about 53 percent of the United States’ vegetables and fruit
- California is now in its third year of drought; its main system which supplies water to cities and farms may only be able to fulfill 15 percent of requests, Reuters reported scientists as saying.
- The Sierra snowpack this year is carrying just over one half of California’s water supply.
- The Sierra has only received about one third of its anticipated annual snowfall during its wettest period.
“California is headed toward one of the worst water crises in its history, underscoring the need to upgrade our water infrastructure by increasing water storage, improving conveyance, protecting the (Sacramento) Delta’s ecosystem and promoting greater water conservation,” Schwarzenegger said.
“We may be at the start of the worst California drought in modern history,” said Water Resources Director Lester Snow.
The period December through January is normally the wettest in California, however, the Sierra has only received about one third of its anticipated annual snowfall.
“A third of normal is devastating,” said Elissa Lynn, a state meteorologist. “January is the biggest month for precipitation in the Sierra.”
“Climate change does indicate the possibility of more frequent droughts,” said Lynn, “but it’s hard to tell over a short time span.”
A La Nina has pushed down the ocean temperatures in the equatorial Pacific, which has meant less precipitation in Northern California. The precipitation didn’t slow down until about early April last year, which was also a La Nina year.
“This could be a crisis situation,” said Lynn. “In addition to conservation and rationing we could be paying higher prices for produce.” Lynn said that some farmers have left fields unplanted based on expected lack of water.
“Twenty-five local water agencies are already mandating rationing. The state Department of Water Resources is arranging water transfers through its Drought Water Bank program and expects to release a full snowpack runoff forecast in two weeks.” Reuters said.
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