Idaho Faces Below-Average Snow-Water Levels as Spring Arrives
Idaho Faces Below-Average Snow-Water Levels as Spring Arrives
US · Published Apr 12, 2026
Snow-water levels in Idaho's basins are below historical averages for this time of year.
Snotel maps indicate the Big Lost River basin at 71%, with Clearwater and Coeur d'Alene-St. Joe systems at 70%.
Lower snowpack could impact irrigation, hydroelectric power, and increase wildfire risk.
Idaho snow-water levels below average in spring
As spring progresses in Idaho, snow-water levels across various basins are showing below-average figures compared to historical data from 1991 to 2020. According to the latest Snotel maps, the Big Lost River basin records the highest percentage at 71%, while the Clearwater and Coeur d'Alene-St. Joe systems in northern Idaho are each at 70%. The Little Lost basin is at 64%. These figures, although not catastrophic, indicate a drier trend as the water year advances. The Snotel maps, updated daily, provide a comparative analysis rather than raw snow-water amounts, offering insights into the current water availability against historical averages. This information is crucial for water resource management, agricultural planning, and assessing the potential for drought conditions in the coming months.
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