Drought continues, despite rains

Although portions of the Western U.S. received a series of rain and/or snow storms in the past few weeks, it wasn't enough to mitigate the severe drought that occurs through much of the region. According to the United States Drought Monitor, (produced through a collaboration amont the USDA, NOAA and the University of Nebraska), though California's snowpack has increased since the start of 2014, it is still only about 32 % of the average April 1 measurement. And Texas' San…