Potential Impacts
The state table below highlights common impacts reported in the state. For more impact details, please visit the Drought Impact Reporter.
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| Category | Impact |
|---|
| D0 | Snowpack is reduced |
| Golf season is extended |
| D1 | Forage is reduced |
| Fire danger increases; fires at elevation increase |
| D2 | Summer recreation season is extended; hunting is compromised |
| Bear activity increases; wildlife encroach onto residential areas |
| Desert plants implement reproductive survival mechanisms |
| Surface water levels decline; Lake Tahoe water clarity is higher than normal |
| D3 | Alfalfa and hay yields decrease; farmers are not planting crops |
| Pasture conditions are very poor; producers are selling cattle |
| Fire activity increases; fire season is extended; firework ban is implemented |
| Excess algae growth and fish kills occur |
| Vegetation green-up is poor |
| Winter recreation is limited |
| Forage and water supplies are inadequate for wildlife; wild horse health deteriorates, leading to emergency roundup and relocation |
| Lakes and rivers are depleted; lake hazards are noted; water temperatures rise |
| Irrigation allocations are very low; water supply for farming and ranching is inadequate |
| D4 | Boat ramps close; trout fishing limits are lifted; wildlife populations decline; producers haul water for wildlife; ecosystem viability is threatened |
| Citizens reduce water use |
| Reservoir levels are extremely low; hydropower production is limited, alternative power is expensive; groundwater decreases; water allotments to farmers and ranchers are curtailed |
| Fire danger increases; restrictions are enacted earlier than usual; events are canceled |
| Wild horses/burros are relocated; BLM brings water/food to wild horses/burros |
| Bears and other wildlife encroach on human-inhabited areas |
| State stocks rivers/streams/lakes with fish earlier than usual; fish catch limits are lifted; warmer water causes fish death |
| Wildlife populations decrease and habitat is degraded |
| Hydropower plants close or reduce production |
| Boat ramps are closed; lake hazards are exposed; submerged relics and towns are exposed |
| Fewer skiers; ski-related businesses lose revenue and lay off employees |
| Conflicts over water rights increase |
| Grazing on public land is reduced and conflicts arise |
| Joshua trees are affected |