A pair of storms moving through Redding this week could dump 1.5 to 2 inches of rain in the region, helping bring up water levels at Lakes Shasta and raising hope California’s largest reservoir will fill up for a third straight year if a robust La Niña arrives this winter. The lake was at 56% total capacity as of Monday, which is 104% of its historical average, according to the state Department of Water Resources’ most recent data. That compares to 69% total capacity for the same day in 2023. The data provides concrete evidence of the impact the extreme weather that baked the West had on the lake, when billions of gallons of water were lost due to evaporation.

Other reservoir articles:

• Newsweek: Lake Mead water supply given hope from Rockies snowpack
• KTVU Fox 2: Deal to expand reservoir should boost California’s water supply
• CBS News Bay Area: South Bay water officials reach deal to greatly expand San Luis Reservoir capacity
• SFGate: California clears hurdle to expand major reservoir and store more water