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A recent video from the International Space Station has captured an alarming view of California's intense drought. Although Northern California received some late-season snow in April, nearly all of the state remains under significant drought conditions. At the start of last month, it was revealed that the Sierra Nevada snowpack had hit one of its lowest levels for the end of the winter in 70 years. The snowpack is the source of 30% of California's water supply.
The video posted to Twitter was taken on Friday, April 29, and shows the dwindling snowpack from the International Space Station. “Just how much snow is in Northern California and The Sierra Mountains? Not all that much."
According to KTLA, data from the U.S. Drought Monitor released on April 26 showed that over 95% of California was classified under severe or extreme drought, which is an increase from the 66% recorded in February. While an April storm did bring a decent amount of precipitation to the state, it wasn't enough. The National Weather Service reported that the storm brought double the amount of rain seen in January, February, and March combined.
The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California declared a water shortage emergency, placing outdoor watering restrictions on several counties in the area as they continue to navigate the severe drought conditions.