Severe drought conditions continue in county

SANDERS COUNTY – According to recent water condition reports, Western Montana is still experiencing severe drought conditions.

The United States Drought Monitor shows the western part of the country, from Colorado west, almost completely under drought. For Montana most of the state is in good condition or is listed as dry, though the western-most parts are experiencing moderate to severe dryness.

According to their summary of the conditions, though, the snow water equivalents have been improving. Snow water equivalent is the estimated amount of water a snowpack is expected to yield when it thaws. The drought report states the SWE has shown positive indications for drought reduction.

The recent warmer temperatures caused some concern that there would be early snowmelt, but rain, and snowfall at higher altitudes, quelled some of them. Mild weather is expected to continue through the area, thanks to the El Nino system the area is currently experiencing; this is expected to continue yielding below-average precipitation for the Sanders County area.