# El Niño Water Crisis in California

> El Niño may bring more water to California than reservoirs can hold.
- Title: El Niño Water Crisis in California · Newsweek | Shortify
- Summary: El Niño may bring more water to California than reservoirs can hold. Southern California reservoirs are near capacity as El Niño could deliver above-average…
- Keywords: el niño, california, reservoirs, southern california, castaic lake, lake casitas, diamond valley reservoir, dwr, u.s. bureau of reclamation, metropolitan water district, water capacity, precipitation
- Source: Newsweek — https://newsweek.com/el-nino-california-san-diego-water-winter-weather-12461723
- Published: 2026-09-18T18:53:36+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: el niño, california, reservoirs, southern california, castaic lake, lake casitas, diamond valley reservoir, dwr, u.s. bureau of reclamation, metropolitan water district, water capacity, precipitation
## El Niño forecast for California
New precipitation outlooks from NOAA's Climate Prediction Center suggest above-average winter rain for Southern California.
## El Niño strength
The developing El Niño is expected to become a 'super' event by winter, with waters warmer than average by 2 degrees Celsius.
## Reservoir capacity concerns
Southern California reservoirs are already near capacity as of Friday, with Castaic Lake at 95 percent.
## Water management strategy
Reservoir managers draw down water levels each winter to create space for incoming rain and ensure safe water release.
## Lake Casitas and Diamond Valley
Lake Casitas is at 95 percent capacity, 123 percent above average, while Diamond Valley is at 97 percent, 129 percent above average.
## Diamond Valley's unique operation
Diamond Valley, an off-stream reservoir, fills through pipelines, so El Niño rain won't fill it unless it falls directly over the reservoir.
## Water storage plans
Metropolitan Water District plans to capture and store as much water as possible for the next dry period using groundwater basins.
## What happens next
El Niño will strengthen into winter, with increased precipitation chances starting in November and peaking from December to April.
## Key takeaway

Southern California reservoirs are near capacity as El Niño could deliver above-average winter rain.