Montana State Officials Share Predictions for Drought This Summer

Montana state officials share predictions for drought this summer

During a Montana Drought and Water Supply Advisory Committee meeting, experts suggested that June is a make-or-break month for drought."This year, we're set up on the drier side to start June," said Troy Blanford, a water information manager for the Montana State Library. "It's going to take June to improve conditions and really get through July [and] August. We're hoping for June [precipitation] to carry us a little bit further than typical." W…

State officials share predictions for drought this summer and updates on the St. Mary siphon

During a Montana Drought and Water Supply Advisory Committee meeting, experts suggested that June is a make-or-break month for drought."This year, we're set up on the drier side to start June," said Troy Blanford, a water information manager for the Montana State Library. "It's going to take June to improve conditions and really get through July [and] August. We're hoping for June [precipitation] to carry us a little bit further than typical." (…

USDA says Olympic Peninsula Water Supplies Shrink with Low Snowpack and Dry Spring

PORT ANGELES — Water supplies on the North Olympic Peninsula are tightening as the region heads into summer, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Snowpack in the Olympic Basin measured just 68% of the median on June 1, down from 74% a month ago. Precipitation since October 1 is 89% of average, with May receiving only 65% of normal rainfall. Streamflows are expected to fall short. The Elwha River is projected to run at 68% of normal t…

Summer to bring drought, low rivers for most of Montana

According to the National Interactive Fire Center, more than half of Montana - all but the southeast and far eastern portions of the state - will have above-normal potential for wildland fire by July. Continue reading…