HELENA, Mont. — State experts said Montana’s drought picture improved after recent moisture, but they warned that hot weather could quickly shift conditions again.
NonStop Local attended a Montana DNRC Drought and Water Supply Advisory Committee meeting in Helena, where state officials reviewed drought conditions, streamflows, wildfire activity and the near-term weather outlook.
Michael Downey, Montana DNRC's drought program coordinator, said recent precipitation made a noticeable difference across much of the state.
"We got a bunch of moisture that really improved conditions widely across the state. We went from 76% in moderate to extreme drought down to about 50%," he said.
Downey explained that the northern tier of Montana saw benefits from that moisture. He also said concerns remained in southeast, southwest and south central Montana after hot temperatures through July.
Troy Blandford, Montana State Library's water information manager, said heat remained a key part of the concern.
"It’s really about how we are going to stack up in all of the nights and days and so far we are. We’re seeing a lot of 90 degree days," he said.
State experts also reported seeing drought effects in streamflows and in wildfire areas.
Aaron Fiaschetti, a U.S. Geological Survey hydrologist, said some places still had not recovered from longer dry conditions.
"We didn’t have a great snowpack and we haven’t had sustained rain in that location. So, it’s not able to overcome that prolonged drought in the area just yet," he said.
Wyatt Frampton, Montana DNRC's deputy forestry administrator, said dry conditions were already affecting fire season planning.
"We’re entering the fire season with our large dead and down full contingent already being dry and only getting drier," he said.
Downey said the heat this month meant drought conditions could change quickly. He said state agencies needed to keep watching Montana’s dry areas closely.