Karen M-C

Retired PAO/PIO. Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Sister, Daughter. Skier, walker, gardener, volunteer, educator, interpreter.

[Predictive Services @RMACCNewsNotes]

Effective Today 06/18 at 0730 MDT, the National Preparedness Level is being elevated to 3 (PL3).

[NIDIS Drought.gov @NOAADrought]

New Seasonal Drought Outlook by @NOAA's @NWSCPC

Expected drought development: Northwest, NorCal, N. Plains into Upper Midwest, C. TX

Improvement: Southwest into Rockies/Great Basin, South/Southeast, Northeast, Lower Midwest

Otherwise, drought persists. https://t.co/s8Wz6Q9cl6

[Karen M-C @kmalisclark]

@HumboldtToiyabe Yay Facilities, etc!

[Karen M-C @kmalisclark]

Excellent, relevant reporting.

[KNAU @AZPubRadio]

Researchers say decades of dry, hot conditions have killed pinyon pine and juniper forests across the West.
https://t.co/cr0pjatTca

[USGS Arizona @USGSAZ]

Invasive grasses are changing fire patterns and how we manage them in the Intermountain West, USA.

Researchers Sarah Costanzo and Seth Munson conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of 204 scientific articles published between 1985 and 2023. The study focused on six dominant invasive species in the region, including winter annuals like cheatgrass and medusahead, as well as summer perennials like buffelgrass and Lehmann’s lovegrass.

The findings highlight differences in how these species influence fuel characteristics and regenerate following wildfire. Post-fire trends varied for each species. For example, cheatgrass experienced an initial reduction followed by a substantial long-term increase post-fire, whereas buffelgrass exhibits an immediate post-fire spike followed by a steady decline.

The study also found that chemical treatments demonstrated high effectiveness for reducing invasive grasses. However, other treatment types could be equally or more effective under certain management and environmental conditions. In many cases, treatment effectiveness was enhanced when treatment types were combined or repeat treatments were conducted.

This research is intended to assist land managers in evaluating risk and optimizing treatment strategies. Check out the full study here: https://t.co/BzWjZ7KeTa

📸: A burned area from wildfire in Agua Fria National Monument in central AZ. Photo by Katie Laushman, USGS

[Coconino NF @CoconinoNF]

Despite weekend rain and hail, fire danger remains at VERY HIGH here on the Coconino National Forest.

Stage 1 fire restrictions are still in effect.

[Karen M-C @kmalisclark]

I just arrived at top of lift for my morning shift as volunteer Interpretive Ranger, when we had to go back down, quickly.

[Arizona Snowbowl Updates @AZSBUpdates]

Due to lightning within the resort area, the Arizona Gondola will be temporarily placed on lightning hold at this time. We will continue to monitor the weather and provide updates here.

[Karen M-C @kmalisclark]

USA 🇺🇸 ⚽️

[Karen M-C @kmalisclark]

@Zakeryt Azimuth and estimated range. The second/cross report helps pinpoint location.

[Daniel Swain @Weather_West]

I would expect fire season across the interior West to kick into high gear quite soon, with at least 6 consecutive upcoming days or critical or near-critical fire weather (a mix of hot, dry, windy, plus some dry lightning) aligning with widespread severe to extreme drought.

[Karen M-C @kmalisclark]

@PeterCorbett1 Peter, may I share this photo with Smokey? Nice to meet you yesterday.

[NIDIS Drought.gov @NOAADrought]

Next week's outlook (June 9–13) favors above-normal precip from the PNW to the Gulf Coast. The NE leans dry.

Temps: Warm for most of the U.S., with an 80%+ chance of above-normal heat in the Midwest.

https://t.co/mljsjQE3B9 @NOAA #Drought

[Karen M-C @kmalisclark]

@CoconinoCounty So many events!

[NIDIS Drought.gov @NOAADrought]

Topsoil Moisture % Short/Very Short by
@usda_oce

The Lower 48 saw a welcome 6% improvement over last week: 38% of the Lower 48 is short/very short.

While heavy rain brought relief to the Southeast, severe topsoil deficits remain in CO (87%), NM (85%) & MT (84%). #drought

[KNAU @AZPubRadio]

High summer temperatures make Flagstaff’s thin air feel even thinner. Density altitude affects your body, turning a simple mountain hike into a tough physical workout.
https://t.co/9xjZ78s4xm

[Arizona Dept of Emergency and Military Affairs @DEMAArizona]

When cell networks go down, amateur radio steps up. 📡 The State EOC is equipped with voice and data ham radios, and our entire comms team is licensed to operate them📻
#HamRadio #EmergencyComms #PublicSafety #RadioSTAT

[National Interagency Fire Center @NIFC_Fire]

The National Significant Wildland Fire Potential Outlook was released today, June 1, by Predictive Services, providing a look ahead at expected fire potential from June through September.

🔥Read the full outlook: https://t.co/81gZvf5RrT

[NWS Flagstaff @NWSFlagstaff]

2026 marks the 100th anniversary of Route 66! Check out these fun facts:
📍Length: Approximately 2,448 miles
📍Established: 1926
📍Decommissioned: 1985
📍Highest Point: 7,335 ft (Arizona Divide)
📍Longest Segment: New Mexico (~487 miles)
📍Shortest Segment: Kansas (~13 miles)

[Arizona Snowbowl Updates @AZSBUpdates]

Winds have decreased on the mountain and the Arizona Gondola is now open.

[Arizona Snowbowl Updates @AZSBUpdates]

Due to high winds on the mountain, the Arizona Gondola is currently on wind hold. We will continue to monitor the weather and make updates here and our website.