News in Brief This Spring’s Predicted Flood Risks: An Essential Reading List A report from NOAA warns that two-thirds of the lower 48 states are expected to face increased precipitation and flood risk through May. Kelley Czajka
Environment Say Goodbye to Snowpack Snow-dependent drainage basins that supply much of the world with water are steadily declining. Madeleine Thomas
Environment Rocky Mountain Dust-up: Runoff’s Dirty Secret The dust on high peaks, blown in from Southwestern pastures, farms, mining roads and off-road vehicle parks, is hastening snowmelt and reducing the runoff into the Colorado River, scientists say. Melinda Burns