Idaho’s Snowpack Still Well Below Normal

The snowpack across Idaho, much like the rest of the west, is not in good shape for late January.

The latest snowpack numbers show the statewide average is just 80% of normal. Erin Whorton with NRCS said the snow has been MIA since late fall, and now into winter.

“So by end of December/January 1st, when we were making our snowpack measurements across the state, we were finding some of our lowest snowpack measurements in like over 80 years were being noted," Whorton said. "And then, you know, the faucet just turned off. We didn't get much moisture in January, and it's also been warm, so even though that we've gotten a few little storms, unless you're in the higher elevations, it's just raining instead of snowing.”

Photo: Glenn Vaagen

While Snowpack Numbers Are Low, Not All Hope Is Lost

The latest snowpack numbers show the central portion of the state is in OK shape for this time of year, the panhandle is not great, but not bad, and SW Idaho is terrible, with multiple basins with snowpacks below 50% of average.

Whorton says while the snowpack figures are discouraging, there is some good news. She said the Total Water Year Precipitation figures, which includes snow, rain, sleet and anything else that falls from the heavens, are positive.

“Idaho is actually wetter than normal," Whorton said. "So it is confusing when folks are thinking about very dry conditions on the snowpack, but then we also have very wet conditions because it rained a lot. And one of the big benefits is that we did see soil moisture improve because a lot of that rain was falling on bare ground and being absorbed by the soil.”

Photo: Glenn Vaagen

Whorton noted that the typical apex of Idaho’s snow season is April 1st, so while there is time to make up the difference, she says time is running short. She added she's hopeful for a very wet February so basins and reservoirs can improve before the start of the growing season.