All in all, as of the middle of February, things are looking more positive in regards to snowpack and reservoir levels. As far as snow-water equivalent decreases through the decades goes, Ekins states, “We are a resilient state and will find ways to figure out how to manage these into the future.” Let us all hope for another good snowstorm or two, and look forward to another prosperous growing year.

I’ve had more than a few people ask why the reservoir teacup graphs don’t look full after such a heavy winter snowfall and why the drought monitor maps are still showing drought in Idaho. The answer to this question is that the snow is still in the mountains. Snowmelt runoff typically peaks in May or June, and reservoir operators are typically trying to get the reservoirs full by mid-June to early July.

A couple of weeks ago, I had a beautiful view as I drove down I-15 over the Malad Pass. The snow was deep, and the trees were all flocked with snow.

A unique combination of climate, geology and water supply provide the raw ingredients for global-scale agricultural production in the upper Snake River basin.