NASA Satellite Images Reveal California’s Lake Shasta Full- Second Year in a Row

By: Julia Mehalko | Last updated: May 31, 2024

California’s largest reservoir, Lake Shasta, is officially at full capacity for the second year in a row. This feat comes after years of drought, which saw the lake nowhere near full.

California’s largest reservoir, Lake Shasta, is officially at full capacity for the second year in a row. This feat comes after years of drought, which saw the lake nowhere near full.

New NASA Images of Lake Shasta

These new images that NASA has released of Lake Shasta show how its full capacity can be seen from satellites in space.

Advertisement
A NASA satellite image of Lake Shasta seen full in 2024.

Source: NASA Earth Observatory/Wanmei Liang/Public Domain

The images were shared by the NASA Earth Observatory. The photos were taken by the Landsat 8 satellite on May 7, 2024.

Comparing Lake Shasta Satellite Photos

The photo from May 7 of Lake Shasta shows the lake is full of blue water. It’s clearly at capacity. However, to truly see how much water is now in the lake, NASA included a satellite photo of what was seen back in 2022 when California was going through a drought.

Advertisement
A NASA satellite photo of Lake Shasta in 2022 during a drought.

Source: NASA Earth Observatory/Wanmei Liang/Public Domain

The earlier satellite image—taken on April 22, 2022—shows Lake Shasta at 39% capacity.

Lake Shasta in 2022

California’s largest reservoir struggled throughout 2022, thanks to the state’s ongoing drought.

Advertisement
NASA satellite photos of Lake Shasta seen in 2022, 2023, and 2024.

Source: NASA Earth Observatory/Wanmei Liang/Public Domain

In these satellite photos, you can clearly see a “bathtub ring” around the edges of the lake, indicating where the water used to hit when it was full. Now, in 2024, you can no longer see this ring, as the lake is at full capacity.

California’s Drought

Lake Shasta has now been at 100% capacity for two years in a row, thanks to all the rainfall and snow that California has seen recently.

Advertisement
A little green plant growing in dry ground during a drought.

Source: Steve Harvey/Unsplash

However, the drought experienced in 2022 brought massive concerns to light, as Lake Shasta only reached a maximum of 40% capacity throughout the year.

Lake Shasta Provides Water to Thousands in the Sacramento Valley

Lake Shasta remains a vitally important reservoir for California. It is the state’s largest reservoir, covering an almost unbelievable 30,000 acres.

A view of the Sacramento River surrounded by the natural landscape

Source: iStock

Located in Shasta Country in the northern Sacramento Valley, the lake provides water to thousands of people, and without it, Shasta County would unquestionably experience an intense water shortage.

Advertisement

The Importance of Lake Shasta

The lake is supposed to provide water for various aspects of California life, such as municipal water supplies and irrigation. 

Mountains seen behind Lake Shasta in California in the daytime.

Source: Public Domain/Wikimedia Commons

So, when the state was experiencing a drought in 2022, and Lake Shasta was at such a low capacity, many California officials publicly sounded the alarm.

Advertisement

The End of California’s Drought

However, California experienced some luck when 2023’s water period brought in a ton of rain and snow, allowing the lake to finally reach its full capacity.

A road seen in the middle of a desert and surrounded by mountains in the distance.

Source: Peter Mizsak/Unsplash

The end of 2023 and 2024 has also seen high levels of rain, which has allowed Lake Shasta to remain full, as seen in these NASA satellite images.

Advertisement

Full Reservoirs Around California

Lake Shasta isn’t the only California reservoir now at full capacity. Lake Oroville, the second largest reservoir in the state, has also reached full capacity — and again for the second year in a row.

Lake Oroville in California seen in the daytime by green trees and grass.

Source: Manny Becerra/Unsplash

NASA’s Earth Observatory has stated that Lake Oroville is actually at 128% of its average capacity this year.

Advertisement

Upcoming Wet Years?

It’s hard, if not impossible, for experts to see far into the future and accurately understand if California will have another beneficial wet water year to help keep its water worries away.

Rain and fog seen on a beach in California.

Source: Wonderlane/Unsplash

Even this last winter period didn’t see as much rainfall as seen in 2023 in the state. However, since Lake Shasta was already relatively full, it didn’t take as much rain to finally reach that full capacity.

Advertisement

Water Worries Remain

Because experts can only wait and see what the weather brings, water worries remain for many officials in California.

A California reservoir seen during a drought surrounded by dry desert land.

Source: Simon Hurry/Unsplash

The state has a huge population. If another drought occurs, then the state may have to make drastic changes to help try to conserve as much water as possible.

Advertisement

Upcoming Water Projects

As the state’s most recent drought greatly worried many water experts, the government of California has begun to take steps to ensure they don’t find themselves in this dire position again.

An aerial view of the San Joaquin-Sacramento Bay-Delta in the daytime.

Source: Public Domain/Wikimedia Commons

As a result, many water projects are being considered or are already in the works. For example, California Governor Gavin Newsom’s administration recently revealed a $20 billion water tunnel project that would help the state manage water more effectively. 

Advertisement

California’s State Water Project Has Some Disadvantages

However, what Gov. Newsom calls the State Water Project remains highly controversial, and many native tribes and environmentalists have come out against it.

A digital illustration of the proposed California State Water Project

Source: CA.gov

Additionally, many worry that Gov. Newsom’s plan is simply far too expensive. Not only will it cost nearly $20 billion to build, but experts estimate that it will cost the state an additional 600 million a year to run.

Advertisement

Future-Proofing Water Resources

In addition to its water projects, California is planning ahead with new water conservation projects specifically to sustain the high levels at Lake Shasta.

A photograph of three large turquoise water tanks

Source: Freepik

These include advanced rainwater harvesting techniques and improved groundwater management practices aimed at mitigating the impact of potential future droughts.

Advertisement

Public Awareness Campaigns

State agencies have also launched educational campaigns to promote water conservation among Californians.

The logo for California's Save Our Water campaign

Source: @SaveOurWater/Facebook

These initiatives, such as the “Save Our Water” campaign, stress the importance of sustainable water use, even in times of abundance, to ensure long-term water security for the state.

Advertisement

Climate Change Concerns

Experts have already stated that California’s current and future drought issues are mainly a result of climate change. Experts believe that in the years to come, weather patterns in the Golden State could become even harder to predict.

A boat on Lake Shasta seen in the daytime with a mountain behind the water.

Source: Borlems/Wikimedia Commons

This could lead to more prolonged droughts, which will consistently harm the state’s water supplies.

Advertisement

Climate Change Is Directly Causing California’s Droughts

A view of Death Valley in California during a drought

Source: Freepik

California has always struggled with exceptionally dry periods, but as the planet’s oceans and air warm, precipitation will decrease even more significantly. Additionally, warm weather means less snow, which many counties across the state use to for water every spring.

Advertisement

Ecosystem Revival at Lake Shasta

Following years of drought, Lake Shasta’s return to full capacity has been a boon for local ecosystems.

A school of black fish swimming in water. There are branches and rocks in the water.

Source: Deniz Fuchidzhiev/Unsplash

The restored water levels have encouraged the return of several fish species and improved habitat conditions, providing a much-needed refuge for migrating birds and native wildlife.

Advertisement

Wildlife Conservation Efforts

Conservationists are celebrating the full levels at Lake Shasta, hoping for the implementation of new wildlife protection programs.

A large flock of birds fly above a lake as the sun sets

Source: Freepik

These programs would aim to restore and preserve habitats that were significantly affected during the drought years.

Advertisement

Impact on Agriculture

With Lake Shasta at full capacity, irrigation is more reliable, supporting California’s agricultural sector.

A photograph of a large vegetable farm in the mountains as the sun rises

Source: Freepik

This is crucial for the state, which produces over a third of the nation’s vegetables and two-thirds of its fruits and nuts.

Advertisement

Boost to Local Economy

The high water levels at Lake Shasta have also revitalized local tourism.

Two tourists explore a city during a holiday and take pictures of the sites

Source: Freepik

Hotels, restaurants, and recreational facilities report increased activity as tourists flock to the area for boating, fishing, and hiking. This resurgence is a welcome change, supporting jobs and community development.

Advertisement

A Fun and Profitable Summer at Lake Shasta

The general manager of Lake Shasta Caverns, Matt Doyle, told ABC7 News earlier this month that he and his fellow business owners were expecting more than 3,200 visitors on Memorial Day Weekend and thousands more throughout the summer months.

A three-story party boat on Lake Shasta in California

Source: VisitLakeShasta.com

Doyle said, “It’s amazing for the economy, and we haven’t seen it in four years. So this is kind of a bolster on the economy, the local economy, as well as just people getting out and having fun.”

Advertisement

Lake Shasta Provides Energy

As well as providing water to California’s residents, a beautiful tourist hot spot, and a home to a variety of wildlife, Lake Shasta also offers the state substantial renewable energy.

Photograph from the top of the Lake Shasta hydro power plant

Source: iStock

The Shasta Powerplant, located just below the dam, can generate 710,000 kilowatts of sustainable energy when operating at full capacity. That’s enough power for between 355,00 and 710,000 homes.

Advertisement

Hydro Power Enhancement

However, over the years, the minimal amount of water in the lake has meant little to no energy output. But now, the consistent water levels at Lake Shasta have significantly boosted its hydropower output, contributing to California’s renewable energy goals.

Photograph of a hydro power dam showing an excess of water

Source: Depositphotos

This increase in production helps reduce reliance on fossil fuels and promotes cleaner energy, which California has made a top priority over the past several years. 

Advertisement

Climate Resilience Strategies

In response to changing weather patterns due to climate change, California has developed a comprehensive climate adaptation plan.

Vibrant sunset over Great Salt Lake, casting pink and orange hues across the sky and reflecting in a water pool beside a road, with mountains in the backdrop

Source: Wikimedia Commons

This plan includes enhancing reservoir capacity like that of Lake Shasta to buffer against water scarcity during unexpected drought periods.

Advertisement

Advancements in Water Monitoring

While the future is uncertain, fortunately, new satellite technologies and AI tools are now being used to predict water levels more accurately.

A woman is pictured testing the water in a river

Source: Freepik

These tools help manage water resources more efficiently, ensuring that the reservoir can meet both ecological and human needs without wastage.

Advertisement

Technological Innovation in Water Management

As California struggles to maintain steady water levels, these emerging technologies are revolutionizing how water resources are managed, specifically to ensure state reservoirs don’t run dry.

A person wearing a blue glove holds a beaker with water next to scientific equipment

Source: Rephile Water/Unsplash

IoT sensors and machine learning models can now monitor water quality and usage in real-time, ensuring optimal distribution and conservation across reservoirs.

Advertisement

California May Start Recycling Its Water

As well as using the newest technologies to monitor, predict, and conserve water among the state’s many reservoirs, California also plans to start recycling water.

A woman drinking out of a clear glass of water.

Source: Andrea Piacquadio/Pexels

In 2023, the Golden State became the second US state to allow the purification of wastewater to be reused as tap water. This system has proven wildly successful in Texas, Arizona, and Colorado, each of which struggles with drought.

Advertisement

California Isn’t Alone in Its Water Struggles

While California often makes headlines more than most other states, it is certainly not the only one experiencing water worries.

A view of the Colorado River through a large red rock canyon

Source: Adobe Stock

The Colorado River, which runs for more than 1400 miles and provides water to seven different states, has wildly diminished and is now in critical condition. If the situation gets any worse, millions of people across the Southwest will be experiencing water shortages within the next several years.

Advertisement

Water Shortages Aren’t Unique to the USA

Of course, water shortages aren’t unique to the United States; countries all over the world are extremely worried about their water reserves. 

A map of the world showing the baseline water stress for each country

Source: wri.org

Egypt, Iraq, India, Bolivia, Chile, Spain, and many others are experiencing incredible water stress. While some are working tirelessly to ensure the next generation has ample drinking water, other countries are struggling to find solutions.

Advertisement

Global Comparison of Water Recovery

For example, Lake Poopó in Bolivia has also diminished, but unlike Lake Shasta, it is unlikely to recover.

A photograph of the shrinking Lake Poopo in Bolivia

Source: iStock

This comparison highlights the crucial role that effective water management plays in preserving our freshwater ecosystems. It is a wake-up call for governments and communities around the world to take action towards sustainable water use and conservation.

Advertisement

Some Cities Could Be Out of Water by 2050

The unfortunate truth is that, without the newest technologies and constant attention to water reserves and conservation, many cities around the world may be out of water by 2050. 

A map of the Earth, showing different pins on different areas.

Source: Andrew Stutesman/Unsplash

One study shows that London, UK, Cape Town, South Africa, Phoenix, Arizona, Sao Paulo, Brazil, and dozens more could all experience extreme water scarcity in less than 25 years.

Advertisement

Which California Cities Will Experience Water Scarcity?

While many countries and cities are worried about water, California is certainly more concerned or at least as concerned as the others.

A close-up of blue water.

Source: Casey Thiebeau/Unsplash

Because of its immense population, topography and geographic location, and its thousands of miles of farmland, the vast majority of the state could experience a water crisis in the next 25 years. Specifically, experts worry that the metropolises of San Francisco, Los Angeles, and San Diego will fare the worst.

Advertisement

Will California Eventually Charge for Tap Water?

Some worry that if the water situation in California gets any worse, the Golden State will be forced to charge its residents for water.

A woman wearing all white sitting on a white bed holds a glass of water

Source: Freepik

However, the California government has made no such threat. For now, water is still considered a human right and will be available to ass residents, though it may be regulated in the very near future.

Advertisement

Lake Shasta: Running on Full… For Now

While Lake Shasta’s full capacity may seem like a small victory in the face of ongoing drought conditions, it serves as an important reminder of the system’s fragility.

A photogprah of Lake Shasta on a sunny day in California

Source: iStock

As California continues to face challenges related to climate change and resource management, collaboration and innovation will be key in finding sustainable solutions for the state’s economy and environment.

Advertisement

California and the Rest of the World Need to Watch Their Water Supplies

Fortunately, it seems that California’s current government is attentive to the possibility of a water crisis and is doing what it can to stop it before it starts.

A woman standing with a walking stick on a dried up lake thanks to drought

Source: Freepik

However, it will be a long and uphill battle for California, many other states, and countries around the world. Water is an absolute necessity, and if they don’t fix things fast, the world could experience a water shortage as it has never been seen before. 

Advertisement