August 1 Western Drought Update

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With the exception of the small portions that lie in Wyoming and north of the Great Salt Lake, the Colorado River Basin had one its wettest Julys, ever. A sampling of gaging stations indicates the river and at least some of its tributaries are running higher than they were in June. 

Rainfall for the last 24-hours has also been generous. Near five inches northeast of Cedar City (which closed I-15) and four inches north of Las Vegas. 

Unfortunately, the five-day rainfall amount outlook is calling for less-generous rains over the area.

The six to ten day outlook has the region returning to drier than average conditions. 
The recent rains have clearly dented the drought. Unfortunately, there is a long way to go, particularly in California. 

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