California faces a heightened drought risk this summer as mountain snowpack drops to as low as 0% in some areas due to a warm spring. - Snowpack in Northern Sierras and Cascades is at 0% of average, Central Sierras at 4%, Southern Sierras at 15%.
- Record-hot March and high-elevation rain erased snowpack months ahead of schedule. - Drought will first impact agriculture, rural well users, and wildlife; urban areas may feel effects later.
- Reservoirs are currently full but rely on snowmelt for summer and autumn water supply.