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Stunning satellite images show California reservoir drained by drought is nearly 100% full

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California's reservoirs are nearing capacity after months of inclement wet weather that ended the drought across many parts of the state.

Among the reservoirs that were once close to empty but are now positively brimming is the San Luis Reservoir, which was just about one-quarter full at the beginning of December, and is now 98 percent full.

The reservoir is California's fifth largest and located near Los Banos in Merced County. It supplies water to the State Water Project.

Following the wet weather of the last few months, its level now sits at 114 percent of its historical average, according to the LA Times.

This time last year, the reservoir sat at less than half capacity and continued to lose water in the warmer months.

It settled at around 25 percent full through November and December. A year prior, before meek winter rains replenished the supply, the reservoir sat at 10 percent capacity.

Slide me

Satellite pictures showing the difference in the San Luis Reservoir between last summer and now

California has has 11 atmospheric rivers this year, leading to record snowpack and dangerous flooding in some parts of the country

California has has 11 atmospheric rivers this year, leading to record snowpack and dangerous flooding in some parts of the country

This year, however, the roughly dozen atmospheric rivers that have occurred in California, have delivered significant amounts of rain and snow, bringing record snowfall to some areas of the Sierra Nevada mountain range and flooding across the state.

An atmospheric river is a narrow corridor of concentrated moister, or, water vapor, carried in the air from the tropics. They can bring with them significant bouts of rain. 

Due to the rain, snow and flooding, the area surrounding the reservoir has been transformed entirely from a brown, dry landscape, to a lush green one.

Across the state, reservoirs are currently at or above their historical average levels.

In late March, state reservoirs stood at about 73 percent capacity, four percentage points above the 30-year average of 69 percent. 

In March, severe storms pummeled California with hailstones the size of quarters and devastating floods which saw 10,000 people evacuated from their homes several weeks ago - as a rare tornado warning was issued for Fresno County.

Funnel clouds were spotted in the heart of California's Gold Rush on Saturday afternoon and the weather service issued a tornado warning for the Sierra Nevada foothills as severe thunderstorms, hail and high winds blanketed the region.

Extreme weather has recently plagued California with excessive amounts of snow falling in both areas surrounding the Bay Area and in the mountain ranges surrounding Los Angeles. 

The state has experienced 11 atmospheric rivers this season, storms that have brought enormous amounts of rain and snow to the state and helped lessen the drought conditions that had dragged on for three years. 

Rainstorms threatened to cause flooding in Big Bear as snow from the 100 inch deposit began to melt and flow through residents' yards.

Rock and mudslides jeopardized freeways that had been shuttered on and off for use in previous weeks due to the snow. 

The snow blocked not just major freeways that connect the mountain to the greater Los Angeles area, but also smaller residential streets between homes and supermarkets.

The flooding, though dangerous and inconvenient in some parts of the state, has also replenished many of the state's reservoirs

The flooding, though dangerous and inconvenient in some parts of the state, has also replenished many of the state's reservoirs

State reservoirs are now at 73 percent capacity, four percentage points above the 30-year average of 69 percent

State reservoirs are now at 73 percent capacity, four percentage points above the 30-year average of 69 percent

Extreme weather in California plagued the state for weeks, from snow and hail storms to massive rain and wind storm all up and down the coast, the state has experienced 11 atmospheric rivers this year

Extreme weather in California plagued the state for weeks, from snow and hail storms to massive rain and wind storm all up and down the coast, the state has experienced 11 atmospheric rivers this year

Following heavy rainfall on Friday, one area of Big Bear City got flooded

Following heavy rainfall on Friday, one area of Big Bear City got flooded

The water is running down from the mountain and becoming a river running through the city

The water is running down from the mountain and becoming a river running through the city

In March, Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency for more than a dozen counties including San Bernardino, and sent support and resources to the snowed in area to assist with relief efforts

In March, Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency for more than a dozen counties including San Bernardino, and sent support and resources to the snowed in area to assist with relief efforts

Earlier in March, Governor Gavin Newsom declared a state of emergency for more than a dozen counties including San Bernardino, and sent support and resources to the snowed in area to assist with relief efforts.

Residents of the mountain range outside of Los Angeles have been battered by storms in recent weeks, which have included nearly 10 feet of snow leading to shuttered stores, homes without power, and a supply chain in jeopardy.

At least a dozen people were found dead after those storms blocked roads and left residents stranded. 

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