Wet Winter Brings Parts Of California Out Of 5-Year Drought

This winter has been a wet one for the West Coast, and that's helped California make major progress toward ending the state's drought. 

Three months ago, 100 percent of the Golden State was abnormally dry, with 42 percent in an extreme or exceptional drought. 

Fast-forward to January, and one-third of the state is done with the drought. 

California relies on reservoirs and aquifers for much of its water. Mountain snowpack plays a big role in keeping those filled through the spring and summer. 

But five years of drier than normal conditions caused serious stress on California residents.

Related StoryDroughts Have Seriously Damaged California's Tree Population

Thanks to a decent amount of wet weather last winter, the northern part of California had already started recovering from the drought.

Now this year's onslaught of rain and snow is helping even more. 

The highest elevations of the Sierra Nevada mountains have received over 16 feet of snow this season, and winter isn't over.