March 3, 2023 – The US Drought Monitor‘s map released yesterday shows that western United States’ drought conditions are easing.

Most of the western states have experienced drought since 1999, with the most recent 3-year period of drought lowering groundwater and reservoir levels.  Above-average snow and precipitation since December have eased the situation.

Abnormal dryness and drought levels have shrunk in California, Montana, New Mexico, and Arizona.

Half of California is now free of drought, although groundwater levels remain a problem.

Utah has improved in soil moisture and mountain snowpack, but groundwater and many reservoirs remain low.

The Drought Monitor forecasts more precipitation this week, with Pacific weather systems will follow during March 2-7, bringing half an inch or more of precipitation to the West Coast and higher elevations of the West.

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