What 'Very Strong' El Niño Odds Mean for California's Largest Reservoirs
Summary
Scientists predict a very strong El Niño event this winter, which usually brings more rain to California. While this could increase water in reservoirs, many of California's largest reservoirs are already full, so managers might release some water to prevent flooding.Key Facts
- El Niño is a climate pattern where ocean waters in the tropical Pacific become warmer than usual.
- NOAA says there is a 75 to 81 percent chance of a very strong El Niño between November and January.
- Strong El Niño events tend to bring more rainfall to California during its wet season.
- California’s biggest reservoirs, like Lake Shasta and Lake Oroville, are currently at or above their usual water levels.
- Because reservoirs are nearly full, water managers may release water early to create space for upcoming storms.
- Releasing water early can reduce the ability to store rainwater from future storms.
- Not all rain benefits California’s water supply equally, partly because the state depends on snow in the Sierra Nevada mountains.
- The relationship between El Niño and California’s rainfall is clearer with very strong El Niño events than with weaker ones.
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