Much of West in States of Emergency for Fires
A state-by-state rundown of drought status in the West:
Arizona: Snowfall is considerably below normal and wildfire indexes are at May levels in March. A good prospect for El Nino precipitation if the phenomenon develops.
California: Recent snowfalls have boosted snowpack levels. Above-average wildfire danger in the southern half of the state. Average in the north. Likely to receive considerable precipitation if El Nino appears.
Colorado: Snowpacks are 60% of average in a state that supplies water to much of the Southwest. Wildfire danger is rated above average. El Nino could make a big difference.
Idaho: Snowpack is better than last year but the state remains below average. Last year also was relatively dry. Fire danger is rated as average except the southeastern corner, where it is above average.
Montana: The snowpack was above average in some areas west of the Continental Divide, but below average in the east. Soil is suffering from four years of dry weather, and El Nino usually means dryer weather. Fire danger is rated average in the west, above average in the east.
Nevada: Recent heavy snowfalls have brought snowpack above average in some areas. Fire danger is rated average except in the southeastern quadrant, where it is rated above average.
New Mexico: Fire danger is rated above average, although El Nino would deliver significant precipitation. The snowpack level in eight of 12 river basins is less than 50% of average.
Oregon: Recent wet weather has eased concerns. Fire danger is rated average in most of the state and below average in the northwest. El Nino is not a factor.
Utah: Got good snow for the Olympics but is in its fourth year of drought. Wildfire danger is rated above average. A good El Nino prospect.
Washington: Recent rains have reduced the fire danger to average in most of the state and below average in the northwest. El Nino is not a factor.
Wyoming: Snowpack levels are better than last year but still up to 25% below normal. Wildfire danger is rated above average.
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