Lake levels are well below average as we near the end of January. This can have adverse effects on those using the lakes, as well as the habitat. The good news is, we still have half of our wettest season to look forward to which could lead to improvement.

CHICO, Calif. - Lake levels are well below average as we near the end of January. This can have adverse effects on those using the lakes, as well as the habitat. The good news is, we still have half of our wettest season to look forward to which could lead to improvement.

It's mid-January and the amount of rain seen so far is concerning. We're 25-50% of average this time of year in Northern California. The rest of California is looking even worse. In fact, there are some locations near Los Angeles that are 14 to 15% of average for the rainfall.

 
The snowpack is not looking much better. We're about 50% of average for snow in our region in the Sierra-Cascades. As we go closer to Tahoe, its about 45% of average. The Southern Sierra is about 23% of where the snowpack should be.

Snowpack and rainfall figures are important because they play a role in filling up the lakes.

The snowpack melts in the spring, filling up lakes. Rainfall also helps add to the lake levels throughout the rainy season.

Since they're both below average, the lakes aren't looking too good, either. Lake Oroville is about 35% full, which is 55% of average. That's about half of where it should be this time of year. A whole 206 feet from the top.

As for Shasta Lake, it's looking a little better but still not great. About 40% full but only 70% of average. That's short 30% of where it should be this time of year at Shasta Lake.

What do low lake levels mean?

Farmers aren't at a big risk right now as their water usage is low in the winter.

Less water in area rivers can affect habitat through less wetland flooding, less groundwater recharge and higher mortality on young fish, according to the California Department of Water Resources.

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