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Idaho Faces Severe Drought: 47% Affected, Streamflow Plummets

5/8/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Idaho's May Water Supply Outlook Report paints a troubling picture as drought conditions intensify. April's unseasonably warm and dry weather hastened snowmelt, resulting in lower streamflow predictions. Alarmingly, 47% of the state is now grappling with drought, particularly in the Big Wood, Salmon Falls, and Oakley basins, while the Bear River's forecast has plummeted by 50%.

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Story summary

Idaho's May Water Supply Outlook Report paints a troubling picture as drought conditions intensify. April's unseasonably warm and dry weather hastened snowmelt, resulting in lower streamflow predictions. Alarmingly, 47% of the state is now grappling with drought, particularly in the Big Wood, Salmon Falls, and Oakley basins, while the Bear River's forecast has plummeted by 50%.