California’s largest reservoirs at critically low levels – signaling a dry summer ahead

Images from Lake Oroville and Lake Shasta compiled by the state show a shocking drop in water levels' compared to years past

California's two largest reservoirs are at critically low levels, signaling that the state, like much of the US west, can expect a searing, dry summer ahead.

This week, officials confirmed that Lake Oroville, the state's second-largest reservoir, was at just 55% of its total capacity when it reached its highest level for the year last month. Meanwhile, Shasta Lake, California's largest reservoir, was at 40% capacity last month - after the state endured its driest start to a year since the late 19th century.