Nevada's current drought conditions have shown improvement following a wet winter, but challenges persist in some areas. According to Nevada State Climatologist Steph McAfee and undergraduate student Benjamin Khoh, who prepared an update through the Living with Drought program, much of the state is now drought-free. However, abnormally dry conditions remain from northwestern Nevada through Nye, Lincoln, and Clark counties.
"After a wet winter and, in parts of northern Nevada, an unusually wet spring, much of the state is drought-free," they noted. Despite this progress, southern Nye and Lincoln Counties and Clark County still experience moderate to severe drought.
The update highlighted that significant improvements have been observed since last year when over 99% of Nevada was in severe or deeper drought. Across the western United States, drought persists in regions such as Oregon and northern Idaho but has improved in eastern Colorado.
May brought varied weather patterns across Nevada. Northern parts experienced temperatures above average while other areas saw cooler conditions. Precipitation levels were high in Pershing, Churchill, and Humboldt counties. In contrast, southern Nevada had below-average rainfall.
Snowpack remains robust in the Sierra Nevada by late-May standards. "Even the Humboldt...still has above normal snowpack," according to McAfee and Khoh. Soil moisture varies significantly across the state; Esmeralda County into southern Clark County shows dry soil indicative of ongoing drought.
Reservoirs are performing well overall with several reaching capacity levels typical for this time of year. Lake Mead rose above critical shortage levels during May with projections suggesting further elevation increases throughout summer into winter 2024.
Stream flows were generally above normal during May except where management decisions affected water flow such as repairs on Truckee canal which reduced flow temporarily.
Looking ahead to summer predictions remain uncertain regarding precipitation due largely because forecasting monsoon activity weeks ahead proves challenging: "Summer precipitation is predictably unpredictable." However temperature outlooks suggest warmer than usual conditions which could lead drying out vegetation rapidly increasing fire risks especially later months northwestern regions though June itself sees lower-than-normal wildfire threat thanks previous wet seasons mitigating immediate dangers associated fires potentially affecting air quality negatively if unchecked without precautions taken against spread should occur nonetheless vigilance remains essential ensuring safety all times practicing safe habits prevent incidents arising unexpectedly within communities involved directly indirectly alike utilizing resources available locally nationally support efforts maintaining stability throughout period transition towards eventual recovery hopefully soon thereafter conclusion anticipated cycles repeating themselves inevitably yet again future iterations continuing cycle indefinitely foreseeable timeframe perspective considered relevant stakeholders engaged actively collaboratively 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