Drought

A proposal from Arizona, California and Nevada would cut back on water and prop up Lake Mead and Lake Powell.

Meteorologists say the drought in Arizona will likely continue to worsen with warm, dry conditions in store and after the Flagstaff area received less than a third of its seasonal snowfall.

Arizona Public Service Co. says it could temporarily shut off power in some high-risk communities Wednesday in the Flagstaff area because of heightened wildfire danger.

The federal Colorado Basin River Forecast Center says just 1.4 million acre feet of Colorado River water is expected to reach Lake Powell through July — less than a quarter of what's considered normal.

Hydrologists working high in the Rocky Mountains have measured what they say is Colorado’s driest winter of snow moisture on record.

Arizona fire officials warn that drought and heat could drive an early, active wildfire season. High fire activity is expected to move north across the Mogollon Rim by May, then into higher elevations.

Possible scenarios could include significant water reductions in Lower Basin states like Arizona or new incentives for states to conserve water.

The National Weather Service forecasts near-normal fire risk for northern Arizona this spring. Drought has improved, but warm, dry conditions remain a concern.

Fremont cottonwoods form a ribbon of green along Arizona’s rivers and streams. They have heart-shaped leaves which turn golden in fall and fluffy, cotton-like seeds.

Leaders of environmental groups are issuing fresh warnings this week about the impacts the ongoing gridlock could have on the river basin.