Idaho’s Snowpack Hurt By Dry Weather

The past four weeks have not been good for snowpacks across the Pacific Northwest. According to Corey Loveland with NRCS-Idaho, the snowpack across the Gem state is turning to the worst right now. He noted you can blame this downturn on two main factors.

“One is that it’s just been very dry for the last month or so.  We’ve gotten very, very little precipitation, as far as the snowpack in the high elevations.  And the second part is the temperatures have been a little bit above normal.”

Loveland noted the snowpack is denser than normal for this time of year, meaning the snowpack is closer to melting out. Currently three of the state’s 21 basins are on par for where they should be this time of year:  The Little Wood, The Big Lost and the Little Lost.

Loveland noted not all hope is lost. March and April can be snow producing states, especially in the higher elevations.

“There is potential.  If we straight up look at the weather forecast, then you might be pretty negative about it.”

Loveland pointed to the spring of 2009 which was wetter and cooler than normal, allowing the snowpack to regroup and reestablish itself before the onset of the irrigation season.

What basins are of most concern for Loveland?

If you have a story idea for the PNW Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail gvaagen@cherrycreekmedia.com