Snow study shows California faces historic drought

[Are_grits_groceries]

SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - A new survey of California winter snows on Thursday showed the most populous state is facing one of the worst droughts in its history, Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger said.

The state, which produces about half the United States' vegetables and fruit, is in its third year of drought and its main system supplying water to cities and farms may only be able to fulfill 15 percent of requests, scientists said.

The snowpack on California's mountains is carrying only 61 percent of the water of normal years, according to the survey by the state Department of Water Resources. Last year the snowpack held 111 percent of the normal amount of water, but spring was the driest ever recorded.
http://www.reuters.com/article/environmentNews/idUSTRE50S7NK20090130

If you thought the problem with oil shortages was bad, wait until the water shortages are more widespread.

[JCMach1]

1. Someone should tell Ahhhhnold Winter isn't over yet

[Warpy]

2. It's been dry here in New Mexico

since about the beginning of November. All we've had is a little snizzle from time to time, stuff that evaporates into our arid air as soon as it falls--if it makes it to the ground.

We need precipitation badly here.