Weather & Science
California Faces One of Its Worst Snow Droughts Since 2001
A warmer winter is bringing western states more rain than snow, the true foundation of the region’s water supply.
Bare patches peek through at Snow Summit in Big Bear Lake, California, on Dec. 4.
Photographer: Gina Ferazzi/Los Angeles Times/Getty ImagesCalifornia is getting plenty of rain this winter — but what’s really needed is snow.
While record warm temperatures have ensured that a series of massive Pacific storms known as atmospheric rivers dumps heavy rain across the West, the balmy weather has led to one of the lowest snow covers since 2001. The forecast calls for more rain next week.