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By Anna Skinner
Associate News Editor
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Water levels at California's two largest reservoirs have been steadily changing over the past few days amid back-to-back winter storms walloping the Golden State this week.
Some of California’s reservoir levels have begun to rebound following this week’s powerful winter storm, which delivered widespread precipitation across the state. While higher elevations finally picked up much‑needed heavy snowfall—crucial for spring snowmelt and long‑term water storage—lower‑elevation regions were drenched by intense rainfall that surged into rivers and reservoirs. The combination has provided a short‑term boost to major water systems already performing above average for this time of year, though officials say it will take sustained storms and a healthy snowpack to secure lasting improvement in the months ahead.
"Headlines may focus on the intensity of a winter storm, but once the clouds clear, the bigger picture comes into focus," the California Department of Water Resources (DWR) said in a post on X. "This system delivered valuable rain and Sierra snowfall that will help rebuild snowpack and strengthen California’s water supply. Snow in the mountains serves as natural storage, releasing water gradually into rivers and reservoirs as temperatures warm. This moisture is welcome news for communities, agriculture, and ecosystems across the state. In California, winter storms like this are part of the natural rhythm of the season … it’s how nature replenishes the water resources we rely on all year long."
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Lake Oroville Water Levels
Lake Oroville, which is the state's second-largest reservoir, has seen rising water levels since the winter storm hit on Sunday, with its change in water levels first documented on Monday, according to lakesonline.com.
As of Wednesday, the lake's water levels were at 853.75 feet elevation, which is 46.25 feet below its full pool capacity. The lake is at 128 percent of its historical average for this time of year, DWR data revealed. It has risen nearly a foot over the past few days.
A DWR spokesperson told Newsweek that recent rain in the Feather River watershed contributed to the rising water levels at Lake Oroville.
"DWR expects water levels to continue rising since more storms are in the forecast," the spokesperson said. "Between February 14 and February 17, Lake Oroville’s elevation rose 1.37 feet and gained approximately 18,000 acre-feet. DWR continues to conserve as much water as possible while continuing to meet federal guidelines for downstream flood protection and state environmental regulations."
Lake Shasta Water Levels
As of Wednesday, California's largest reservoir saw water levels at 1,030.99 feet elevation, which is 36.01 feet below the lake's full capacity. Although it isn't full, the reservoir is at 113 percent of historical average for this time of year, DWR data revealed. On Saturday, Lake Shasta's water levels were at 1,030.16 feet.
The lake's water levels have been inching higher since Sunday, around the time when the first of the back-to-back winter storms arrived in California. The storms dumped heavy snow in mountainous regions, but rain fell in lower elevations. The storm is expected to continue to produce soaking rain across the state through Thursday, with as much as 4 inches expected in Redding, California, which is roughly 10 miles away from Lake Shasta.
Prior to their recent rise, water levels at Lake Shasta had been declining since mid-January, with Lake Oroville seeing a decline over the past few weeks.
Although the heavy snow and rain from the ongoing winter storm is bound to be beneficial to the state's water supply, DWR officials warned that California still has lots of ground to make up to prepare for the warm, dry months ahead.
“Recent California winters have seen this pattern of long, dry and warm stretches interrupted by intense storms," Andy Reising, manager of DWR’s snow surveys and water supply forecasting unit, said in a press release issued after the DWR measured statewide snowpack at the end of January. "We are now two-thirds through what should be the best snow-producing months of the year. While there is still time for February and March to deliver additional snow, the farther into the season we get with below average conditions, the harder it will be to catch up.”
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