Benjamin Khoh works with Extension’s Nevada State Climate Office and Living With Drought Program, which are led by Extension Climatologist Steph McAfee.
Much of the state is now drought-free and potentially at risk for flooding. Wet winters can also mean lots of grass and high fire risk at lower elevations.
Only 5% of the state is classified as D2-Severe Drought, a substantial decrease from just a month ago when 51.35% of the state was D2-Severe Drought. Southern Nevada is likely to remain in drought through June. Resolution of the remaining drought in the rest of the state is likely.
Water levels for many Sierra reservoirs are near or above normal for March. Some may be below normal to have space for snowmelt or other planned water storage. Many western Nevada streams reported above normal flows and record highs.
Lake Mead dropped almost a foot to 1,046 feet in late March and is at 28% capacity. Forecasts have Lake Mead dropping to a low of 1,030 feet during mid-summer. Stream flows in the south were variable, with record highs and unusual lows observed.