AZ In "Red Alert" Fire Status Thanks To Extreme Drought - AZ Republic

Arizona turned red with extreme drought Tuesday after one of the driest winters on record left the state's high country draped with too much brown and not enough white.

The official drought monitor was moved from "severe" to "extreme" based on nearly non-existent snowpack and brittle soil and vegetation conditions. The recent rain and snow had little effect on a drought that is now entering its 11th year.

The new status won't trigger rationing or any other restrictions, but it comes with a lengthening list of things to do for state agencies and local government officials. Unless the governor declares an emergency, only those local officials can limit Arizonans' water use.

A map issued by the state drought-monitoring group Tuesday shows all but three counties colored bright red, indicating extreme drought. Mohave, La Paz and Yuma counties stayed at "severe."

EDIT

http://www.cdnn.info/news/science/sc060329.html

It's illegal to smoke anywhere but inside a car, inside a building, or in a town, preferably on pavement. Fire restrictions out here are serious business.

and it's where most of the water budget comes from. Rain and snow-pack. The winter snow-pack historically acted like a natural reservoir, releasing water into the summer. I don't recall the historic averages, but something like 5-10 feet wasn't uncommon. This year, the snowpack accumulation has been measured in inches. To a first approximiation, it's nothing at all.

before they give up their golf courses. I recommend you Great-Lake staters keep an eye out for a mighty horde of suburban warriors dressed in polo shirts and armed with 9-irons.