Much of Montana facing drought conditions

Press release

HELENA — The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation has released its 2024 Montana Drought Outlook Report, and, ccording to the report, much of Montana is facing abnormally dry to severe drought conditions resulting from low snowpack and below average precipitation during spring and early summer. Depending upon accumulated precipitation and temperatures over the next four to six weeks, the net deficits in June could result in the onset of widespread drought by late July.

According to the report, 40 percent of the state is classified in moderate to severe drought, with another 57 percent showing abnormally dry conditions.

“Following the warm and dry winter, May’s cooler temperatures and above average precipitation provided a boost for areas nearing extreme to severe drought by late April. Unfortunately, June has been much drier than average, and the consequences of a hot and dry July could be severe,” said Michael Downey, DNRC’s drought program coordinator.

In the southern half of the state, drought conditions were milder than average last year with most of the area drought free by fall. Those conditions provided a buffer against this winter’s warmer and drier conditions. Soil moisture indicators for much of Montana are average, however areas of dryness are beginning to appear in the west, south central and southeast regions of the state.

Lack of snowpack in the mountains during this past winter also resulted in low streamflow. Most state and federal reservoirs did manage to fill this spring as a result of proactive reservoir management. However, without at least average rainfall in the next month, streamflow and surface water levels will likely decrease across the state.

The Montana Drought Outlook Report is an annual report compiled by water planning staff at the DNRC. The 2024 report is available online at https://drought.mt.gov/_docs/DWSAC-Materials/Montana-Drought-Outlook-Report-Summer-2024-1.pdf .

The Montana Drought Outlook Report provides a synopsis of recent statewide precipitation and temperature trends, snowpack information, an outlook on summer water supplies and an update on current and forecasted drought conditions. This report was developed pursuant to MCA 2-15-3308(5).

The report is compiled and prepared through the Drought and Water Supply Advisory Committee — a multi-agency committee chaired by DNRC Director Amanda Kaster. Its responsibilities include developing a state drought management plan, performing water supply assessments, reporting on local drought impacts, identifying mitigation strategies, and directing financial, technical, and human resources to assist in regional and local drought management efforts.