Northwest lags behind rest of state in precipitation

POWELL (WNE) — The state’s snow/water equivalent average is 111% of median with a high of 146% — a dramatic improvement over one and year year-to-date readings, according to the Natural Resources Conservation Service’s survey. 
 
However, the northwest part of the state is lagging behind with current sub-100% of median readings. 
 
“Last year the state was at 91%, and at 91% in 2021,” said Jeff Goats, of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. 
 
The Yellowstone Basin is at 93%, which is up slightly from last year, but lower than most areas reporting in the state. The Shoshone Basin is currently at 91%. 
 
Again, the measurement is up from this time last year, but is currently the second lowest percentage in the state, with the South Platte Basin being the only lower at 75%. 
 
Even at 75%, the South Platte Basin’s percentage is currently significantly higher than this time last year. 
 
The Big Horn Basin is below the current average, but at 103%. 
 
At this time last year, the basin was at 87%. 
 
The weighted state average is figured using the area of basins in square miles. The reference period for computing medians is the 30-year period 1991 through 2020. 
 
March is traditionally one of the heaviest snowfall months in northwest Wyoming.
 
This story was published on Feb. 14, 2023.