Light snowpack dims drought relief as California farm communities suffer

“Federal, state and local officials paint a grim picture of a system taxed as it has never been before by a growing population, environmental concerns and a labyrinth of water supply contracts and agreements, some dating to the early 20th century.” As these plagues converge upon farmers of California’s Central Valley, many scale back, compounding joblessness and associated social ills, and threatening nationwide food supplies.
 
Experts speculate that much of the water shortage can be attributed to diminished Sierra snowpack, at 61% of normal levels, the primary source of springtime moisture for much of the state. Full story: The New York Times