La Nina brings flood risks and drought to the West

May 9, 2011 By LYNN DeBRUIN , Associated Press

A fire burns on Monday, March 7, 2011 just north of Tyrone, N.M. New Mexico officials say winds were picking up Tuesday afternoon, renewing concerns about a wildfire that has destroyed 12 homes and several other structures and forced the evacuations of 100 people. (AP Photo/Silver City Daily Press & Independent, Cari Sue Flores)

The winter and early spring have been extreme across the West, with record snowpacks bringing joy to skiers and urban water managers but severe flood risks to northern Utah, Wyoming and Montana.

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