Overall, summer was wet in Nevada due to heavy monsoon rains in the Southwest that even fed
thunderstorms in northern Nevada. Rains were spotty, which is common for summer thunderstorms.
Many parts of the state remained wet through September, as well. Tropical cyclone Kay brought rain to
the southern part of the state early in September. An early-season winter-type storm delivered rain and
colder temperatures to northern Nevada. While normal to wet conditions led to some improvements,
particularly for range vegetation, it wasn’t enough to resolve three-year deficits. As of the October 16,
2022, the U.S. Drought Monitor shows almost all of Nevada in Severe (D2) to Extreme (D3) drought,
reflecting the longer-term deficits.
Impacts reported in September and October included:
• As of October 3, 2022, Lake Mead’s storage volume was 28 percent of the lake’s capacity with a
surface elevation of 1,045 feet above mean sea level.
• Ongoing concerns about reduced groundwater levels in portions of southern Nevada.
• Concerns about reduced surface water availability for wildlife and range livestock on public lands.
• Fire restrictions on public lands remain widespread across Nevada.
• Boating access to Lake Mead, Lake Tahoe, and Lahontan Reservoir are limited by low water levels.
• Ongoing drought conditions are or may impact the ability of reporting organizations to carry out
routine operations, such as road maintenance and ecosystem restoration.
• Ongoing water hauling actions for livestock and wildlife throughout the state.
Click below to read the full report.