Northern California Reservoirs Get a Boost from February Storms
After an exceptionally dry January, Northern California finally saw a surge of wet weather in early February, helping to replenish critical water supplies.
The start of 2025 was marked by 27 straight days without rain, a concerning stretch that left many wondering if the region was heading toward another dry year. But a series of strong atmospheric river storms in early February changed the outlook, delivering significant rain and snow across the state.
The recent storms not only increased snowpack in the Sierra Nevada but also raised reservoir levels across the region. While this winter has lacked consistency in precipitation, these February storms have helped make up for lost ground, setting the stage for a strong spring snowmelt that will further contribute to water storage.
Currently, Folsom Lake sits at 70% capacity, holding 679,733 acre-feet of water. Lake Shasta, California’s largest reservoir, is at 78% capacity, containing 3,556,284 acre-feet. Lake Oroville, which has fluctuated dramatically over recent years, now stands at 84% capacity with 2,873,539 acre-feet. Meanwhile, New Melones Reservoir holds 1,916,340 acre-feet, reaching 80% capacity.
More storms in the coming weeks, along with spring snowmelt, will continue to impact water levels, offering hope for a healthy reservoir supply heading into the dry season.
