Recent storms a ‘drop in the bucket’ for drought
Recent storm systems drenched California from north to south, but scientists say they’re not enough to reverse the historic drought
“It’s a drop in the bucket so to speak, but it does help,” said Cameron Burrows, a research ecologist with the University of California-Riverside in Palm Desert.
Annual rainfall remains far below average and our state’s mountain areas, from the Sierra to San Gorgonio thirst for more snow.
“We need about 10 more of them before we’re getting back to an average level in terms of snow pack,” Burrows said of the storms.
That snow pack, which we’re beginning to see in areas like Big Bear Lake and even a little here at the tram, is what scientists call “money in the bank” when it comes to replenishing our aquifer.
“It’s saving water and slowly letting it out during the spring and the summer and that’s what we want,” Burrows said.
In order to recharge our reservoirs, we need a lot more cold, wet weather. And until it comes, scientists say conservation is key.
“The nice thing about the rains we’re having is that you don’t have to water that day so if you do have your lawns on a timer, turn it off,” Burrows said.
