- Drought conditions expanded across Arizona, Utah, and western Colorado.
- Recent storms improved snowpack but did little to ease long-term deficits.
- High winds and dust storms exacerbated water supply concerns in the Southwest.
Friday, March 21, 2025 — Despite a series of spring storms sweeping across the western United States, the Colorado River Basin continues to struggle with persistent drought conditions. The latest U.S. Drought Monitor update, released March 20, 2025
, shows that while some areas received much-needed precipitation, the long-term water outlook remains concerning for Arizona, Utah, and western Colorado.
Mixed Snowpack Results in the West.
The Sierra Nevada saw significant improvements in snowpack, with the California Department of Water Resources reporting an increase to nearly 25 inches of water equivalency by March 18. However, the situation remains starkly different in the Southwest. Snowpack deficits in the Colorado River Basin are so severe that recent storms provided little overall improvement to the drought and water-supply outlook.
Persistent Dryness in the Southwest.
Arizona, New Mexico, and southern Utah remain gripped by severe to exceptional drought (D2 to D4). According to the report, “harsh winds across the lower Southwest have led to extensive blowing dust in recent days,” particularly in drought-stricken areas of southern New Mexico. The situation is further compounded by increasing temperatures, which could accelerate early-season snowmelt and reduce water availability later in the year.
High Winds and Wildfires Pose Additional Challenges.
The report notes that “wind gusts topping 80 mph and visibilities of one-half mile or less” affected the southern High Plains and parts of the Southwest on March 14 and 18. These conditions fueled wildfire risks, with multiple blazes already burning across Texas, Oklahoma, and parts of New Mexico. While most of these fires occurred outside the Colorado River Basin, the continued arid conditions raise concerns about fire activity spreading into Arizona and Utah as the season progresses.
A Dry Forecast Ahead.
Unfortunately, the extended forecast offers little hope for substantial relief. The National Weather Service’s 6- to 10-day outlook predicts drier-than-normal conditions from the Four Corners region through the central High Plains. While sporadic precipitation may occur, it is unlikely to impact the worsening drought across the basin in a significant way.
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