The Scary Reality of California's DroughtCaptured in These NASA Images
California reservoirs are nearing capacity after months of unseasonably wet weather ended drought in many parts of the state
Among the reservoirs that were once nearly empty but are now positively overflowing is the San Luis Reservoir, which was only about one-quarter full in early December and is now 98 percent full
The reservoir is the fifth largest in California and is located near Los Banos in Merced County. Water is supplied by the State Water Project.
After wet weather the past few months, its level is now at 114 percent of its historical average, according to the LA Times.
At this time last year, the reservoir was less than half capacity and continued to lose water in the warmer months.
An atmospheric river is a narrow corridor of concentrated moisture or water vapor, carried by air from the tropics. They can bring with them significant bursts of rain.
Statewide, reservoirs are currently at or above their historical average levels.
In early March, Gov. Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency for more than a dozen counties, including San Bernardino, and sent support and resources to the snow-covered area to help with relief efforts.
Residents of the mountain range outside of Los Angeles have been battered by storms that have included nearly 10 feet of snow in recent weeks, leaving businesses closed, homes without power and supply chains at risk.
At least a dozen people have been found dead after these storms blocked roads and left residents stranded.