California snow not enough to overcome drought

Reuters: California's mountain snowpack is only at 80 percent of normal, despite recent snowstorms, and is far from enough to ease a prolonged drought, making water conservation measures a necessity, state officials said on Monday. The drought is forcing municipal water rationing and sharp cutbacks in irrigation supplies to farmers.

"Although recent storms have added to the snowpack, California remains in a serious drought," said Lester Snow, director of the state's Department of Water Resources. "This year's precipitation levels are still below average. On the heels of two critically dry years it is unlikely we will make up the deficit and be able to refill our reservoirs before winter's end. It's very important that Californians continue to save water at home and in their businesses," Snow said.

Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger last Friday declared a statewide drought emergency, urging California cities to impose mandatory conservation measures to cut urban consumption by 20 percent. Schwarzenegger said he fears the state may face punishing droughts for several more years.

California's farms, which have been especially hard hit by the dry spell, produce more than half the fruit, vegetables and nuts grown in the United States….

Ansel Adams took this picture. His caption was, "Farm, farm workers, Mt. Williamson in background, Manzanar Relocation Center, California."