Drought Information Statement for Mojave Desert and Eastern Sierra Valid February 21, 2025 Issued By: WFO Las Vegas, NV Contact Information: nws.lasvegas@noaa.gov This product will be updated March 20, 2025 or sooner if drought conditions change significantly. Please see all currently available products at https://drought.gov/drought-information-statements. Please visit https://www.weather.gov/VEF/DroughtInformationStatement for previous statements. Please visit https://www.drought.gov/drought-status-updates/ for regional drought status updates. Drought conditions have improved in the Eastern Sierra, Owens Valley, and White Mountains. A widespread precipitation event occurred between February 12 and 15, bringing beneficial valley rain and mountain snow. Las Vegas went 214 days without measurable rain before the dry streak was broken on February 13. U.S. Drought Monitor Drought intensity and Extent D4 (Exceptional Drought): Parts of northwestern Mohave County and eastern Clark County near Lake Mead. D3 (Extreme Drought): Most of Clark, Mohave, and Lincoln counties, southern Nye County, eastern San Bernardino County, Death Valley in Inyo County. D2 (Severe Drought): Esmeralda County, northern Lincoln County, sections of central Inyo and San Bernardino counties, sections of eastern Mohave County, the Spring Mountains in Clark County. D1 (Moderate Drought): Western San Bernardino County, sections of central Inyo County. D0 (Abnormally Dry): The Eastern Sierra, Owens Valley, and White Mountains in Inyo County. Recent Change in Drought Intensity Four Week Drought Monitor Class Change. Drought Worsened: No degradation was observed. No Change: Remaining areas of southern Nevada, southeastern California, and northwestern Arizona. Drought Improved: Western San Bernardino, Inyo, and Esmeralda counties, the Spring Mountains in Clark County. Precipitation A winter system brought widespread precipitation from February 12 to 15. The Spring Mountains received 1 to 2 feet of snow and the Eastern Sierra between 3 and 4 feet of snow. The greatest liquid precipitation totals outside of the mountains were in the Owens Valley, where 2 to 4 inches was reported. Temperature Maximum temperatures over the last 7 days have been below normal for most of the forecast area. Maximum temperatures over the last 30 days have been within a few degrees of normal across the area. Summary of Impacts Hydrologic Impacts Lake Mead is at 1,068.27 feet in elevation, or 35 percent full. Agricultural Impacts There are no known impacts at this time. Fire Hazard Impacts There are no known impacts at this time. Other Impacts There are no known impacts at this time. Mitigation Actions Please refer to your municipality or water provider for mitigation information. Hydrologic Conditions and Impacts Lake Mead is at 1,068.27 feet in elevation, or 35% full. Lake Mohave is at 641.89 feet in elevation, or 92% full. Lake Havasu is at 446.69 feet in elevation, or 90% full. The Bureau of Reclamation 24-month study suggests decrease in Lake Mead late spring and summer. Lake Mohave and Lake Havasu remain steady. Seven Day Precipitation Forecast Widespread precipitation is not expected over the next seven days. Long-Range Outlooks The latest monthly and seasonal outlooks can be found on the CPC homepage There is a 33 to 50% probability of above normal temperatures for Mohave, Clark, Lincoln, southern Nye, and eastern San Bernardino counties through May 31. Other areas have equal chances of above or below normal temperatures. There is a 33 to 50% probability of below normal precipitation through May 31 for most of southern Nevada, southeastern California, and northwestern Arizona. Drought Outlook The latest monthly and seasonal outlooks can be found on the CPC homepage Drought is expected to persist through May 31 for most of southern Nevada, northwestern Arizona, and southeastern California outside of the Eastern Sierra, Owens Valley, and White Mountains.