These storms have had dramatic effects on California, demonstrating how important atmospheric river systems can become. They also show how unpredictable the weather can swing in California’s Golden State, which has an extreme climate that can create both wet and dry conditions.
More water is coming. The state boasts the largest snowpack it has seen in decades. This comes after years of drought that severely damaged levees and diverted attention from flood management. These levees now have to contend with the expected largest spring runoff for decades.
This storm came on the heels 11 other atmospheric river-fueled storms, which have dropped trillions upon trillions of gallons water on the state over the past year. Atmospheric rains are plumes of tropical moisture which stretch thousands of miles across Pacific Ocean.
California and other Western states are often affected by extreme weather caused by atmospheric river flows. They are responsible for more than $1 billion annually in flood damage on average , and 84% of flood damages in Western states according to Scientific Reports research last year. Because a warmer atmosphere can absorb more water vapor and transport it faster, climate change will likely increase atmospheric river impacts.
Wind damage was the focus of attention during the recent storm. Many communities are now anxiously watching local mountain ranges that have historical snowpacks.
Atmospheric rivers fuel storm systems that are often very warm and wet. They can cause heavy rains in California and increase snow levels in the Sierra Nevada Mountains. Rainfall on snow can lead to snow melting and saturation of the snowpack.
Emergency personnel look at a vehicle that flipped during a storm near Gorman, Calif., on Tuesday.
Patrick T. Fallon / AFP via Getty Images
Extreme spring melt-outs could occur. California has twice the amount of snow in the mountains than the national average for this time period.
In February, a series of extremely cold storms dropped snow feet over large parts of the Sierra, particularly the southern and central regions. Rare blizzard warnings were issued for lower elevations in Southern California after the storms. The National Weather Service in San Diego had to issue the first Blizzard Warning ever recorded for the San Bernardino Mountains on February 23rd. This came just one day after the National Weather Service Los Angeles issued its first Blizzard Warning in 1989. This warning was issued for 10 miles from downtown. Flakes flew above the iconic Hollywood sign.
The Central Sierra Snow Lab had just over 690 inches of snow for the season as of Thursday. This is second highest record total, surpassing the 1982-1983 benchmark season. 812 inches is the record, which was established in 1952.
All of the rain and snow have done wonders in eradicating drought conditions, filling reservoirs, and fuelling wildflower super blooms. But there’s a danger coming into April and May.
Recent heavy rains and Sierra snowmelt could lead to flooding in communities located downhill from the mountains, particularly those that are in the Central Valley or San Joaquin Valley.
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration stated in its Spring Outlook that there is an increased risk of flooding across central California, including the Central Valley and San Joaquin River Valley.
“California’s historic snowpack, combined with spring rain is increasing the potential for floods,” stated Ed Clark, director at NOAA’s National Water Center.
It’s possible to see it already in some areas.
Floodwaters are already threatening local communities in the Tulare basin. The Corcoran Sea has been given the name. Drone photos taken in the area show the floodwaters surrounding the farmhouses.
After the extraordinary precipitation, Tulare Lake could be re-emerged. This is a lake bed that has been dry and is now being used for agriculture. The last time the lake had water was in 1997, and 1983 before that. These were both high-reaching years for rainfall and snowfall in Sierra Nevada.
Floodwaters are being dealt with by local communities.
Kayode Kadara, an Allensworth resident and community organizer said that “our community is completely surrounded water right now.” Kadara stated that about one-third Allensworth’s population is now underwater, and that many of the 600 residents were forced to move.
“We all feel nervous. “The challenges of melting snow from mountains is not something that we take for granted at the moment,” Kadara stated, adding that he anticipated the threat would last several months.
