Punishing Drought Gives Way to Renewal in the West

 

Latest U.S. Drought Monitor Index  (Source: NOAA)

After an exceptionally wet winter in the western United States, there has been a discernable reduction in the extent of drought conditions in California.  As recently as three months ago, virtually the entire state was experiencing moderate to severe drought resulting in crop loss and financial hardship. However, the latest Drought Monitor Index showed that’s been almost entirely eliminated after several months of above average rain and mountain snowfall.   

According to NOAA, the wet conditions will have prolonged benefits as “…the abnormally wet winter will further improve drought across much of the western U.S. as the snowpack melts in the coming months.” The elimination of drought conditions and replenishment of water reserves are wonderful news for the agricultural sector. Having reserves of water both in reservoirs that are at or near capacity combined with an above average amount of mountain snowpack is important.  As the snow melts, it will gradually replenish water that’s used for both agricultural needs and the generation of hydroelectric power.

Ironically, California will be a major beneficiary as the state is responsible for a significant percentage of agricultural production in the U.S.  According to California Polytechnic State University, California produces almost half of domestically grown fruits, nuts and vegetables.  These goods are not only for the domestic market, but are shipped abroad to over 100 countries. 

Also, hydroelectric power is an important source of energy in western states, including California.  According to the U.S. Department of Energy, hydroelectric power currently accounts “for 31.5% of total U.S. renewable electricity generation and about 6.3% of total U.S. electricity generation.”  The many dams out west, such as the Hoover Dam, help generate hydroelectric power “by using the elevation difference, created by a dam or diversion structure, of water flowing in on one side and out, far below, on the other.”  While this is a clean and sustainable source of energy, it isn’t without some controversy since the implementation of dams have environmental impacts on local ecosystems by interrupting the natural flow of water.

The elimination of drought conditions across much of California will likely spread to other parts of the country. Earlier this month, NOAA said “La Niña has ended and ENSO-neutral conditions are expected to continue through the Northern Hemisphere spring and early summer 2023.”  Its absence will help allow for drought conditions to be offset in other parts of the country, such as the central United States. NOAA’s spring weather outlook indicates: “The spring wet season is expected to improve drought conditions across parts of the northern and central Plains.”  That’s good news as the heat of summer is only a few months away.