California is Fully Drought-Free for the First Instance in a Quarter Century.

For the first time in 25 years, every region of California is enduring drought conditions. This milestone arrives after challenging years marked by insufficient rainfall that worsened blaze threats and challenged its enormous farming industry.

An Update Reveals No Abnormally Dry Areas

Thursday's report from the national drought tracker confirmed that the entire state is without dry or drought conditions. This shift came after multiple above-normal rainfall that helped fill water storage sites like Oroville and Shasta far beyond their long-term norms.

“If you’re 25 or younger you’ve spent your life in a world where California has been grappling with drought,” remarked a weather expert.

From Intense Storms to Soggy Celebrations

The path to this point included severe and lethal winter storms that struck the state in the not-too-distant past, causing widespread flooding, power outages, and fatalities. Although that weather began to alleviate the drought, they weren't enough to erase it completely.

Even into late December, pockets like Modoc County were considered abnormally dry. Substantial precipitation at the beginning of January finally erased those last vestiges of dryness.

A Crucial Snowpack Presents a Challenge

Yet, experts warn that being out of drought should not be confused with having no water worries. Recent measurements of the Sierra Nevada snowpack indicate it is approximately 70 percent of the historical norm.

This mountain snow, which supplies approximately 30% of the state's usable water as it thaws later in the year, is a key piece for future water availability. Hydrology managers stress that it is not yet time to draw conclusions for the annual water supply.

“The trend we’re looking at right now is more rain than snow,” explained a hydrology section chief. “Our hope is for the snow accumulation to improve by the start of April so that we’re nearer to normal.”

While the drought map is entirely green, the next challenge is to sustaining this hard-won hydrological health during the months to come.