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Calif. Faces Worst Drought Ever

With snowpack well below normal, state likely to face water rationing, higher food prices

By Will McCahill,  Newser Staff

Posted Jan 30, 2009 3:45 PM CST

(Newser) – With winter precipitation lagging well below normal, California officials say residents should prepare for the state’s worst drought on record, the San Francisco Chronicle reports. The snowpack in the Sierra Nevada—the state’s main water supply—is at just 61% of normal after an unusually sunny and dry January. “We’re definitely in really bad shape,” says a state meteorologist. “We just don’t have enough water.”

Water rationing in much of the state appears inevitable, and that could translate to higher food prices. Sonoma County, home to a sizable chunk of the US wine industry, could face a 50% cutback within weeks. “If you have limited water, and you don’t have the irrigation to keep it going ... it’s not going to be a bumper crop,” says a rep for the industry, which could lose millions.

The snowpack in California's Sierra Nevada mountains is just 61% of normal, leading scientists to predict the state's worst drought on record.
The snowpack in California's Sierra Nevada mountains is just 61% of normal, leading scientists to predict the state's worst drought on record.   (AP Photo)
Californians should expect water rationing and higher food prices unless the state gets an unprecedented amount of precipitation during what's left of rainy season.
Californians should expect water rationing and higher food prices unless the state gets an unprecedented amount of precipitation during what's left of rainy season.   (AP Photo)
California's inland valleys are less green than usual after little rain this winter, and things are expected to get worse.
California's inland valleys are less green than usual after little rain this winter, and things are expected to get worse.   (AP Photo)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 3 comments
Shannonals
Feb 4, 2009 3:24 AM CST
Wasn't cali supposed to have fallen in the ocean by now?
Guest
Feb 1, 2009 5:13 AM CST
10 billion and counting, here we come!
Doctor-Zaius
Jan 31, 2009 6:03 AM CST
Global climate change here we come.

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