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National Parks In Southwest Could Encounter Early Fire Season

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By

NPT Staff

Published Date

February 8, 2025

A continued lack of moisture is raising concern about the upcoming wildfire season in the Southwest/NOAA

Last summer's subpar monsoon season and a dry start to winter in the Southwest has the National Weather Service warning that there could be a "potentially significant wildfire season" in northern Arizona.

So far, according to the Weather Service, Flagstaff has recorded only 5.9 inches of snow this winter, marking the fourth-driest start to the season since records began in 1899. Many areas, including the Grand Canyon Village at Grand Canyon National Park, are experiencing near-record low snowpack levels for this time of year.

"Given the lack of snowpack and recent precipitation, if the dry conditions persist through the spring months, we will have increased potential for an extended and significant wildfire season," the agency said.

Other parks that could be impacted include Canyonlands National Park, Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, Pipe Spring National Monument, Wupatki National Monument, Chaco Culture National Historical Park, Rainbow Bridge National Monument, Mesa Verde National Park, and Hovenweep National Monument.

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