Sacramento, California - The stage is set for a strong El Niño event this winter, but experts are cautioning that heavy rain and even flooding in some parts of the state will not necessarily end California’s four-year drought.

While there is no single factor that will determine when the drought ends, water managers and other experts will be watching several factors for signs of improvement.

The Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA) has prepared an infographic with a look at key drought recovery factors and several unknowns that may come into play.