Sierra Snow
The Sierra mountains in California are the source of the snowmelt that makes farming in the central valley possible. Trouble is brewing.
| CognitiveCarbonFeb 14 |
I’m keeping an eye on this website daily. I live and work in the Central Valley of California, a major breadbasket for much of the nation. Groundwater levels are falling, and seasonal surface water deliveries are expected to be zero this season.
Surface water comes from snowmelt in the Sierras; as the snow melts it fills the rivers from February to June and is stored in reservoirs.
From them, there is a network of canals that crisscross the valley and deliver “ditch water” to farmers growing fruits, nuts, and produce.
Two years ago, there were six weeks of river water to local farmers; last year, there were three weeks; this year the forecast is zero.
To compensate, farmers must use ground water pumps during the heat of the summer, which sharply boosts electric demand during the hottest months and also depletes the precious waters of the deep aquifer that exists below the valley floor. This makes rolling blackouts more likely this year.
Wells are running dry left and right, and well drillers are making boatloads of money drilling new and deeper wells.
We had a good rainfall in December which took us above average snow at that point in the year; but we’ve had nothing since, and that headstart we got is dwindling rapidly.
California is the source of some 60% of the nations produce. Think carefully about what is at risk here.
Pray for rain
website:
Excellent video !
Democrats’ Refusal To Maintain Calif.’S Water
OAN Newsroom
UPDATED 2:23 PM PT – Tuesday, August 31, 2021
The looming water crisis in California has officials concerned over how to supply water to the state’s farmers as well as 40 million residents. One America’s Pearson Sharp has more. https://www.oann.com/democrats-refusal-to-maintain-calif-s-water/