Experts agree that the active monsoon is not going to end the drought or raise water levels at Lake Powell. But the rain does have a lot of benefits.

Although reservoir levels in northern Arizona remain low, high country streams are healthy, which can be good for wildlife. It’s also good for small ponds and reservoirs.

She says the agency maintains water caches throughout the state, which it must truck water to during dry periods.

The rain has not only filled the caches, it has helped green up the landscape.

“When it comes to ungulate species like elk and deer, the more green grass that’s growing, the better. That will definitely help those species, if they’re feeding on the really green stuff, they’re going to be healthier, they’re going to have calves and fawns,” said Amy Burnett of the Arizona Game and Fish Department.

She says the state will still need strong winter rain and snow to get out of the drought.