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The Guardian - US
The Guardian - US
World
Maanvi Singh

Drought or no drought? California left pondering after record winter deluge

Lake Oroville, the state’s second largest reservoir, has risen from historic lows to 69% full at 900 ft.
Lake Oroville, the state’s second largest reservoir, has risen from historic lows to 69% full at 900 ft. Composite: Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

Just a few months ago, millions in California were living under mandatory water conservation rules. The driest three years on record had transformed the state, depleted reservoirs and desiccated landscapes.

Then came a deluge. A dozen atmospheric river storms and several “bomb cyclones” have broken levees and buried mountain communities in snow, but they have also delivered a boon. Reservoirs are refilling. Brown hills are blooming once again.

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