The recent rains have increased Folsom Lake levels to approximately 20% of capacity, up from 15% only days ago. Though far from being out of the woods, it is a promising start, as more rain is predicted for tonight, and after a Christmas reprieve, another storm is expected for next week.
Additionally, and perhaps more importantly, the Sierra snow pack is at 111% of average for this time of year.
State water supply forecaster Steve Nemeth offers words of caution saying, "We've been fooled by above average Decembers before."
The National Weather Service is predicting the El Nino through the winter and into early spring, bringing more rain along the way.
While it may not be time to celebrate, things are looking up.
