Extreme drought conditions have expanded across Nevada and Utah since last month’s Drought Monitor, and extreme to exceptional drought conditions remain in place over the northern Rockies and parts of the Great Plains. In Arizona and New Mexico, drought conditions remain almost unchanged since January, due to the persistence of long-term (hydrological) drought impacts. Generally speaking, drought conditions intensify from east to west across our region, with no drought to moderate drought conditions in New Mexico and severe to exceptional drought conditions in Arizona. Mid-February storms, which produced substantial amounts of rain in central-western Arizona, did not have a large effect on important water-producing parts of the state, and because the temperatures were at or above freezing, the storms actually reduced some of the snowpack in Arizona. Snowpack levels in Arizona are far below average for this time of year and reservoir levels are far below capacityas well. Most of the Colorado River watershed is in similar severe conditions.
End InSight February 2003
Published by the Climate Assessment for the Southwest (CLIMAS), with support from University of Arizona Cooperative Extension, the Arizona State Climate Office, and the New Mexico State Climate office.
Disclaimer. This packet contains official and non-official forecasts, as well as other information. While we make every effort to verify this information, please understand that we do not warrant the accuracy of any of these materials. The user assumes the entire risk related to the use of this data. CLIMAS, UA Cooperative Extension, and the State Climate Office at Arizona State University (ASU) disclaim any and all warranties, whether expressed or implied, including (without limitation) any implied warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. In no event will CLIMAS, UA Cooperative Extension, and the State Climate Office at ASU or The University of Arizona be liable to you or to any third party for any direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, special or exemplary damages or lost profit resulting from any use or misuse of this data.