Dramatic before and after photos of California’s drought

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The impact of California’s historic 3 year drought is clearly visible in these before and after photos of Lake Oroville.  The earlier photos were taken in 2011 by the California Department of Water Resources, while the mid-drought photos were taken in August of 2014 by Justin Sullivan.

The contrast is startling, to say the least.  As of Sept 15th, 2014, the Lake Oroville was only at 31% of its capacity.

Bidwell Marina, seen below is only a fraction of its original size.

bidwell marina lake oroville california before drought

Photo by Paul Hames/California Department of Water Resources via Getty Images.

 

bidwell marina lake oroville california after drought

Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

 

Here, the reservoir is nearly full (2011).  By 2014, it’s nothing more than a stream.

lake oroville reservoir california before drought

Photo by Paul Hames/California Department of Water Resources via Getty Images

 

lake oroville reservoir california after drought

Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

 

Bidwell Marina, before and after the drought.

bidwell marina lake oroville california before drought 2

Photo by Paul Hames/California Department of Water Resources via Getty Images

 

bidwell marina lake oroville california after drought2

Photo by Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

 

House boats can only safely float in the deepest water – right in the centre.  The view?  Nothing more than the lake’s steep banks.

house boats on lake orovile california after drought

Photo: Justin Sullivan, Getty Images

 

The old shoreline clearly visible while the drought brings lakes across the state to historic lows.

lake orovile california during 2014 drought

Photo: Justin Sullivan, Getty Images

 

Anyone up for a swim?  A marina in Bass Lake is rendered nearly useless during the drought.

bass lake california after drought

Michael Macor, The Chronicle