Montana will need an extremely wet spring to avoid widespread drought once summer arrives. Scientists are skeptical that the needed moisture will arrive.
Almost 95% percent of Montana is abnormally dry this winter, according to data published Thursday by the National Drought Information System.
Nowhere is the problem more acute than the Upper Clark Fork Basin east of Missoula, where snowpack and precipitation are near their lowest levels since records began in 1979.
And the situation is unlikely to improve before summer, according to forecasts from scientists with the Montana Climate Office. The office recently shared projections suggesting many parts of the state won’t recover adequate moisture.
The scientists warn that could lead to water shortages affecting agriculture, fisheries, and recreation around the state.
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When a siphon blew out on the St. Mary Canal last month the link between thousands of Montanans and an important water source was broken. Estimates from government officials and irrigators say there's enough water to get the Hi-line through the short term. But farmers fear an economic disaster for the region if a fix doesn't come next year .
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Areas around the northern Rocky Mountain Front are predicted to experience severe drought, while much of the rest of the state is predicted to see a moderate drought or abnormally dry conditions.
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The Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes joined six other tribes in defense of a new federal rule protecting their water rights in court.
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Scattered rain and snow showers last month brought modest gains to Montana’s summer water supply outlook. However, the forecast in most locations remains below normal.
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New water quality standards proposed by the state in late April prompted a wide range of opposition at a public hearing Monday. It's now up to DEQ to decide how to move forward.
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Montana Land Board expands agency oversight regarding water rights on state trust land