Lake Tahoe in California has received a record-breaking 264 inches of snowfall so far in 2021, surpassing the previous October through December snowfall record of 260 inches set in 1970. The increased precipitation is hoped to help break California's ongoing drought, but experts caution that average or above average snowfall is still needed in the upcoming months for it to have a significant impact. While there has been mild improvement in California's drought, with 79% of the state in an extreme or exceptional drought as of Dec. 21, down from 88% three months ago, cautious optimism is needed going forward.