Photos Show The Devastating Effects Of Drought In California

It's no secret that California is currently in the middle of the worst drought it has experienced in 1,200 years. This devastating drought didn't just begin either. It's in its fifth year, and its impact is quite apparent. Not only are the state's reservoirs at record low levels, farms and lakes have been significantly affected. Most of us have heard that there is a drought, but until you see the direct effects of the drought on the state's lakes, it's really hard to understand.


Recently, Lakepedia.com put together an interesting set of images showing exactly what has happened to California lakes between 2001 and 2016. They have been shrinking at an incredibly fast rate. You have to see this for yourself. 

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Lakes are receding, and reservoirs are getting emptier by the day in California. 

Over the last several years, the state has gone from having "abnormally high" areas of dryness to having widespread drought over most of the state's land area. 

The state's lakes have made the effects of the drought quite obvious....

1. Lake Cachuma

This lake in Santa Barbara County hasn't been full capacity since July 2011. 

If you slide your cursor over the image, you can see what the lake looked like in 2001 versus now in 2016. 

2. San Luis Reservoir

This reservoir in Merced County hasn't come close to reaching full capacity since April 2011. 

3. Lake San Antonio

Located in Monterey County, this lake was formed through the creation of the San Antonio Dam on the San Antonio River. As you can see, only small portions of the lake are visible now. 

4. New Melones Lake

Since July 2011, this lake's water levels have dropped almost every year. 

5. Lake Casitas

This lake, located in Los Padres National Forest, has also been in decline since 2011. At this point, it was only 87.3% full. 

6. Lake Piru

Created in 1955 by the Santa Felicia Dam, Lake Piru has also been in steep water decline since August 2012. It's incredible how much of the lake bed is visible in 2016. 

7. Lake Perris

This lake hasn't reached its average historical level (after being created in 1973) since 2005. 

8. Santa Margarita Lake

This lake was created after the Salinas Dam was constructed in 1941 and provides the city of San Luis Obispo with some of its drinking water. 

9. Lake Berryessa


This lake is located in Napa County and hasn't reached full capacity since 2006. 

10. Trinity Lake

This lake, formed by Trinity Dam, hasn't reached average levels since 2013. 

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h/t Lakepedia

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