Atmospheric Rivers Boosting Reservoir Water Levels in California

Atmospheric Rivers Boosting, Reservoir Water Levels , in California .

'Newsweek' reports that one northern California reservoir gained five feet of water following two atmospheric rivers across much of the Pacific Northwest.

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According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, an atmospheric river is a , "long, narrow region in the atmosphere— like rivers in the sky—that transport most of the water vapor outside of the tropics.".

Last year, over a dozen of these storms slammed into California, largely ending the state's long drought while also posing new problems like floods and mudslides.

Lake Shasta in Shasta County has already seen benefits from the latest atmospheric river to cross the region.

On January 19, water levels at Lake Shasta were at 1,015 feet.

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Just three days later, the lake had risen five feet, reaching 1,020 feet.

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According to National Weather Service (NWS) meteorologist Kate Forrest, up to eight-and-a-half inches of rain had fallen since the storm started.

The California Department of Water Resources said that Lake Shasta was up to 71% capacity following the deluge of rain.

The NWS issued a flood watch for Shasta County early on January 22, with more rain forecast to be on the way.

According to the NWS, isolated thunderstorms with heavy rains are forecast to hit in the afternoon, followed by a weaker storm system on January 24