Drought — S Sierra Foothills, California

2017-01-01 to 2017-01-24 · S Sierra Foothills, California

Event narrative

Persistent drought conditions continued to be reported. However, wetting rainfall during the month did lessen the short term impacts across the area.

Wider weather episode

The California drought strength lessened over during the month of January, 2017. Fresno received 5.50 of precipitation and Bakersfield received 2.76 precipitation during the month. Fresno had much above normal precipitation with 3.31 above normal. Bakersfield had significantly above normal precipitation with 1.60 above the normal precipitation amounts. Above normal precipitation amounts did allow for continued improvement on drought conditions with an increase in soil moisture and significant reservoir recharge.

The U.S. Drought Monitor continued to report drought conditions across the entire Central California region. However, several reductions in the drought category occurred during the month. The first happened on January 10th across the northern most portions of the area due to above normal rainfall. The trend continued the following week across the Sierra Nevada Range north of Sequoia National Park. This too was due to above normal precipitation and a good amount of snow pack. Valley locations were still experiencing many dry wells even with the above normal precipitation. However, by the 24th valley locations too had a reduction in category as streams and lakes began to fill due to the wet month. Only a small area in southwestern Kern county had the Extreme (D3) category left, though most of the San Joaquin Valley were still under Severe Drought (D2). The month ended with only the San Emigdio Mountains remaining under Extreme Drought (D3).

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 673999. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.