‘Miracle’ water year in California: Rain, snow put state’s reservoirs at 128% of historical average

By ADAM BEAM
Associated Press

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) — California has ended its water year with above average rain and snow, making it one of the wettest years in recorded state history. The state got just over 33 and 1/2 inches of precipitation during the water year that ended Sept. 30. That’s 141% of the state’s historical average. It was enough water to fill the state’s reservoirs to 128% of their historical average. Those reservoirs had dipped to dangerously low levels in recent years under extreme drought. All of that water appears to have helped protect the state from wildfires. Just over 476 square miles have burned in California this year. The five-year average is 2,031 square miles.