… Despite some recent rainstorms, the majority of Southern California remains in “severe” or “extreme” drought conditions, as of the latest report from the U.S. Drought Monitor. Precipitation for this water year, which begins Oct. 1, is still well below average for the southern third of the state. In coastal areas, rainfall amounts are about 40% to 60% of average for this time of year; in the state’s most southwestern corner, it’s even lower, according to California Water Watch. While Northern California’s precipitation and snowpack are above average for the year, the Southern Sierra still remains at about 87% of average for this time of year, according to the California Department of Water Resources. 

Other drought and snowpack news:

• Inside Climate News: Despite staff and budget cuts, NOAA issues critical drought warnings in its spring climate outlook
• FOX13 (Salt Lake City, Utah): Lack of snow has been nearly record-breaking in Salt Lake City
• The Aspen Times (Colo.): March snowfall in Colorado’s northern mountains shifts region away from possible drought development in spring
• Telluride Daily Planet (Colo.): Local snowpack is still well below median