Heavy Rainfall Alleviates Short-Term Drought in U.S. Southwest, Boosts Navajo Reservoir Levels
The U.S. Southwest, particularly the Four Corners region, experienced back-to-back extreme rain events in late October and early November 2026. These heavy downpours significantly alleviated short-term drought conditions that had been exacerbated by a snow drought and high temperatures earlier in the year. One notable impact was the rapid rise of water levels in Navajo Reservoir, located in northern New Mexico and southern Colorado. Between September 20 and November 7, the reservoir's water level increased by nearly 60 feet (18 meters), reaching 108 percent of its average capacity for that date. This contrasts sharply with its 60 percent capacity in September. While the rains provided drought relief, they also caused rivers like the San Juan and Piedra to swell, leading to record or near-record flood levels in some areas, including Pagosa Springs, Colorado, where evacuations and property damage occurred.
