“Man – despite his artistic pretensions, his sophistication and his many accomplishments – owes his existence to a six-inch layer of topsoil and the fact that it rains.”

– Paul Harvey Aurandt (Sept. 4, 1918 – Feb. 28, 2009),

American Radio for ABC Radio Networks

Monday’s overcast skies and storms brewing over the foothills produced significant lightning, thunder and hail during several heavy but short downpours. As they remained nearly stationary, these thunderstorms produced heavy downpours with an estimated rainfall of up to one inch in an hour. An average of three-quarters of an inch was recorded along the base of the San Gabriel Mountains, according to the National Weather Service in Oxnard. At our location my gauge measured .63 inches. As January, February and March are the prime rain-producing months, I consider the most recent showers to be a real bonus.   

“It’s been a beast of a year for snow in the Sierra mountains,” according to a spokesperson from the Western Regional Climate Center. At this time of year, we’re pretty much past any significant water-producing storms. April 1 is considered the approximate time when the snowpack is typically at its peak. The Los Angeles Dept. of Water and Power announced the snowpack measurement in the Eastern Sierra on Monday to be at 171% of what’s considered normal. The overall state reading stands at 153%. Most of our usable water originates from this source snowpack.

We can thank the more than 30 atmospheric river storms that swept across the state over the winter months. Come spring a substantial snowpack will melt; the runoff eventually flows into one of California’s many reservoirs. In just the past few weeks, rivers and streams roared to life, filling their normally dry beds with churning, fast-moving water. Statewide reservoirs are either full or close to being full. For many large reservoirs in California the mission for reservoirs switches from flood control to water storage – and there isn’t much room left for storage.

With a strong onshore flow in place, today will be mostly cloudy across the coast and valleys keeping temperatures below normal. A low-pressure system is expected to move into the area today and Friday. Much like Monday’s weather, clouds with a chance of showers and afternoon thunderstorms linger through the weekend. Mid next week warm clear days are predicted, but by Friday … here comes the rain again!

A deep snowpack, good rain and full reservoirs – is the drought finally over? Presently, yes … Longterm, never … The Southwest U.S. is and has always been a cup (or gourd) full away from a water shortage. Drought is a defining word of our climate. Water conservation should always be practiced.

Sue Kilpatrick is a Crescenta Valley resident and  Official Skywarn Spotter for the
National Weather Service. Reach her at
suelkilpatrick@gmail.com.