SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Heavy rains and flooding have thrown off spring planting and harvesting schedules for many of California's growers this year, but there has been a silver lining for the region's farmers.
Along with the heavy rains, the High Sierra snowpack is at 159% of its normal level, leading Gov. Jerry Brown to declare an end to the severe, three-year drought that has led to significant water restrictions for both growers and residents throughout the region.
Groundwater levels remain depleted, and officials throughout the state continued to emphasize the need for conservation measures.