2026 Positioned To Be One Of The Driest Years For SE Idaho In A Generation

Idaho water officials say this year’s water outlook is shaping up to be one of the worst in decades for the Upper Snake Basin.  At this week’s Water Supply Committee meeting, the Bureau of Reclamation reported runoff forecasts at just 70% of normal, the 8th lowest in 45 years.

Reservoirs at Palisades and American Falls remain well below average, while Jackson Lake is nearly full.  Officials warn the Upper Snake reservoir system could be close to empty by the end of irrigation season.

State and federal forecasters say April rains helped temporarily, but May has turned hot, dry, and windy across much of southern Idaho.

The National Weather Service expects mostly warmer and drier than normal conditions through the summer, raising additional concerns about drought and wildfire danger.

Meanwhile, state officials said Boise and Payette reservoir systems are currently full. 

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