A cold, moist spring has improved Idaho’s water outlook for the summer, but not enough to alleviate concerns about drought in some parts of the state.
The precipitation levels in May were normal around Idaho and the colder than usual weather has slowed the snowmelt. Natural Resources Conservation Service maps show the snow depth levels are above average.
That’s good news looking ahead to summer, at least in some parts of the Gem State. The streamflows in much of the panhandle and down into central Idaho are as they should be and should stay that way a little longer. Federal weather forecasters predict June’s weather will continue to be colder and wetter than normal in northern Idaho.
But as you move south, there’s a greater chance for warmer than usual temperatures and less than normal precipitation.
In southeastern Idaho, the state’s bread basket, even with the slower melt, streamflows are half than what they should be or even less. Many reservoirs that hold water upon which irrigators draw for summer watering are still far from full. Federal officials say there could again be limitations on the water available for farmers.
