Cobb Stage 2 map for Arizona, Nevada, California fuel?
 

I noticed on cobbs website that a different map is used for NV,AZ and CA fuel because detonation is more likely with this fuel. This map is rated at 5 hp less than the normal stage 2 map. I dont experience any problems with my normal stage 2 map in my 02 wrx, so does Northern Nevada use this less than ideal fuel? Should I be using the NV specific map?

Yes, we use 91 here, like California and Arizona, instead of other parts of the country that use higher octane for their premium fuel (92 and 93). You are probably not noticing an issue due to the elevation.

I personally run the CA 91 Map, just to be on the safe side.

I should clarify that I am using cobbs normal 91 octane map. So the 91 octane we get here is the same crap that the CA specific map was made for. A friend told me that CA mixes some ethanol with gasoline and creates a cleaner, but less potent fuel. And how does elevation effect detonation in engines? Air Density?

Yup. There is less air up here at elevation so the Air/Fuel ratio is higher and more resistant to detonation.

EDIT: and yeah, we do use the California gas. Directly from California. So, I'd recommend to run the CA 91 map. What's 5 hp compared with potentially damaging your car.

would someone please think of the children

You are correct the gas we get out here has a higher % of ethanol than the rest of the country. Air density and elevation have nothing to do with it.
PS I run the CA map aswell, the losses are not very noticable

I would run the CA map for sure for you guys at elevation and on the gas you have.

Mike