Idaho Snowpack In Good Shape, But Could Improve

Like the other two Northwest states, the past couple of weeks have helped the Idaho snowpack improve. Erin Whorton with NRCS Idaho said the snowpack in pretty healthy in the northern and central portions of the state, where most basins report snowpacks of 100% for this time of year. The area that’s lagging are the basins in the southern as well as eastern portions of the state. Whorton added compared to this time last year, when the state started with good reservoir levels thanks to solid carryover from the fall, Idaho is currently facing a water deficit.

“We need a greater percentage of stream flow and water for irrigation coming from the snowpack this year compared to last year.  This year, we really need the snow and rain to make up that difference.  We’ll see how it plays out.  But, I would like to see a stronger snowpack develop in these higher elevations, especially in the Upper Snake.”

Whorton said the news is not all bad. One area that’s seen great improvement year over year are the Wood and Lost basins, which has suffered from drought for the past two years. She stressed the amount of precipitation the state has experienced this fall is about normal.

“So, even though the Upper Snake has well below average snowpack it’s still sitting at 96% of normal precipitation.  Hopefully if we make up that snowpack, that means we’ll have those wet saturated soils and we’ll get increased run off efficiency and have an adequate water supply come spring.”

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