Before and after images show California snowpack replenished by fierce storms

The increase in snow puts the drought-struck state in a much more optimistic spot', but experts say more moisture is needed

California's mountain peaks are coated in white after a strong set of storms pummelled the state last week, with before and after images offering a promising sign for the state's snowpack.

The atmospheric river-fueled storms were deadly and destructive, but also critical to replenishing water supplies in a state that has experienced a prolonged drought. The heavy rain dropped several feet of fresh snow, replenished reservoirs, and fed waterfalls and ephemeral lakes.