While the East and the Midwest experience a bitter winter and heavy snowfall, California is experiencing a record-breaking dry spell that's been building for three years. Governor Jerry Brown recently declared a drought state of emergency after 2013 was reported to be the California’s driest year in recorded history. San Francisco saw only 5.59 inches of rain last year, compared to a previous low of 9 inches.
Precipitation is below 20 percent of normal this winter. River flows are low and reservoirs are shrinking. California’s agriculture industry is being threatened. The dry conditions have caused wildfires as vegetation that typically rehydrate during the winter dries out instead.
Water conservation measures have already taken place in Southern California. Governor Brown has urged the rest of the state to save water as well.
Low water level in the San Gabriel Reservoir in the Angeles National Forest
Girls walk on rocks that normally make up the water's edge at Folsom Lake.
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