Tucson Drought 2006

Over 4 months with no rain...

It's official. The Tucson drought is the longest ever, and there's no relief forecast anywhere in the near future. Tucsonans may have to wait until this year's monsoon for any appreciable rainfall.

While New Mexico and Southern California are also experiencing drought conditions, scientists and experts agree that Arizona is definitely getting the worst of it. A spokeswoman for the Coronado National Forest in southeastern Arizona, Sarah Davis, recently made the following statement "There's definitely a potential for this to be a fire season like none of us has ever remembered before." And Arizona's drought-related problems don't stop there.

One of the impacts of the drought has been to the snow skiing industry on Mount Lemmon. While this may be, in comparison to places like Vail, a relatively small industry, to the people of Mount Lemmon it is very important. The annual skiers fuel the mountaintop economy. Of course Tucson residents were also deprived of their nearby Mount Lemmon skiing and snowboarding pleasures this year. There was less than an inch of snow on the mountain this year.

Tucson saw its last rainfall on October 18, 2005, but some experts say the current drought started back in 1996. By way of example, last year's precipitation (rain and snow fall) was substantially less than what Tucson is accustomed to receiving. This year's start, with a completely dry January (and February to date) sets the stage for worsening conditions. January and February usually give Tucson an appreciable bit of precipitation to start the year off. A dry 2005, a completely dry year's start, and the growing realization of no possible rainfall until monsoon has some authorities concerned.

The Tucson drought, which affects the entire southeastern region of Arizona, doesn't just mean no snow skiing, it also creates a greater demand for groundwater supplies, and escalates the possibility of fires – both forest and grassland. During drought, forest fires and grass-based wildfire start more often, and when they do, they burn hot and fast – which doesn't give firefighters much of a chance to control them, or put them out.

Authorities say that Tucson has more than enough groundwater available to endure the current drought, and Tucsonans are not being ordered to take conservation measures, however, all authorities are asking Tucsonans to be cautious and responsible with their water usage.

Tucson set a record for its driest recorded winter in 1999/2000 with a scant .29" of precipitation. This year's .01" makes the previous record look like a deluge. Of course winter is not over yet, but it hardly appears that any relief is on the meteorological horizon.

Tucson is certainly not the only affected area in Arizona, but it is one of the areas feeling it the most. A drive down any Tucson street, or through any Tucson neighborhood makes the lack of water clear. Drought first attacks smaller plants, but as it continues even large trees start showing the effects of dehydration. Even the desert succulents, such as the mighty Saguaro, are starting to show signs of not getting enough to drink. Gardeners should consider holding off with any new planting until the drought ends. If you need to water your large trees, remember it is more efficient to allow a very slow trickle of water to run for a long time, rather than shooting a lot of water all at once. This same principal holds true for watering your cactuses.

While there is no end in sight to the drought, Tucsonans can all help make the impact of this drought less by being very prudent in their use of water, and by being very cautious with any open flames – including cigarettes and cigars. Don't throw lighted smoking materials from car windows – use your ashtray!