Drought — Baboquivari Mountains, Arizona

2011-07-01 to 2011-07-31 · Baboquivari Mountains, Arizona

Event narrative

July brought much needed monsoon moisture to southern Arizona, but rainfall amounts were not sufficient to drastically reduce the severity of the drought conditions. Drought conditions were unchanged to start the month with some reduction of D3 and D4 conditions by the end of the month. The Tucson area was downgraded from D3 to D2 conditions as well as portions of western Pima County, southeast Pinal County, and northwest Graham County. Extreme southwest Cochise County was downgraded from D4 conditions to D3 conditions. Most areas ended the month with below normal rainfall, with only portions of western Cochise County and northern Greenlee County experiencing above normal rainfall. Above normal rainfall over the Monument Fire area resulted in significant flash flooding and additional damage to the area. According to state officials, range conditions continued to be extremely poor with dry stock tanks. Water was being hauled to fill stock ponds and tanks, and feed had to be brought in to supplement poor forage conditions. Wildlife was also being impacted due to lack of water and available forage. The Arizona Drought Watch reported severe impacts in the Upper Gila River Valley in southern Greenlee County. Unusually low water levels were observed in reservoirs, lakes, and ponds. Poor water quality due to low levels and low flows were also reported. Cattle were being supplemented, but herds were still losing fat levels.

Wider weather episode

Long term drought conditions continued in July with some improvement due to beneficial monsoon rain.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 336678. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.