After a slow start to California’s wet season, precipitation has picked up dramatically in the past month, as winter storms have driven heavy rain and snow across the state. The latest tempest brought devastating impacts, including destructive mudslides and at least three deaths. But the storms have also provided benefits, making up precipitation deficits since the beginning of the current water year, which is measured from Oct. 1, 2023 through Sept. 30, 2024. That includes the Sierra Nevada snowpack. … Statewide precipitation this water year has been 98% of normal, according to the latest figure from the Department of Water Resources. 

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