|
Short-term Drought Status Summary (as reflected in the January 31, 2012 U.S. Drought Monitor map)
Despite the relatively wet conditions of November and December in many parts of the state, the upper Colorado River basin and the southern watersheds are well below their average precipitation over the past 12 months.
The rainfall deficit has resulted in the expansion of moderate drought (D1) into northern Mohave County and along the western side of the lower Colorado River valley. Although some areas of Mohave County had rainfall over the last month, the distribution was quite localized, and the drought in Mohave County has caused a significant loss of cattle.
The outlook for the rest of the winter is for below average precipitation. If the weather matches the forecast, there may be further expansion of moderate drought (D1) and severe drought (D2) in the next several months.
Short-term summary produced by the State Drought Monitoring Technical Committee. February 6, 2012
For weekly national and regional drought status updates, visit the U.S. Drought Monitor.
|
|
| |
|
Visit AZ DroughtWatch for recent drought information
and photos of the impacts occurring in Arizona.
Help characterize and monitor changes in drought
conditions by reporting drought impacts to My DroughtWatch.
|
|
| |
|
Long - term summary produced by the State Drought Monitoring Technical Committee. February 6, 2012
|
Long-term Drought Status Update
In the long-term, based on the two, three, and four-year precipitation patterns, some improvement has been recorded in the Santa Cruz and upper Gila watersheds, with Santa Cruz moving from severe drought to moderate drought, and the upper Gila moving from moderate drought to abnormally dry. The relatively wet conditions during November and December of 2011 in these watersheds have replaced the relatively dry conditions of November and December 2007 in the four-year period. Due to the continued La Niña pattern, further long-term
improvement is not anticipated over the next three months.
The early snow pack the state enjoyed is rapidly melting, resulting in early run-off. If the snow pack does not increase over the next two months, water resources in many areas of the state will be significantly reduced.
|
|
|
Arizona Department of Water Resources
Statewide Planning, Drought owner of this page. 
