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As noted by the USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service (Ron Abramovich), the combination of dry and unusually warm conditions during March resulted in rapid snowmelt across most of the river basins in Idaho. By the end of the month, basin snowpack was well below average. The rapid snowmelt helped replenish Idaho reservoirs (see, for example, Owyhee Reservoir), but reservoir levels were still below normal.
Long-term drought and increasing demand have depleted groundwater levels along the Snake River. The eastern Snake River Plain Aquifer in south central Idaho, an underground reservoir as large as Lake Erie, is not able to meet the demands being placed upon it. This hydrological and socio-economic drought impact was being reflected by depleted wells and stressed springs causing conflicts over water rights. According to media reports (3/16 Idaho Statesman), in March an agreement was reached between farmers, dairymen, trout producers and state leaders to allow well owners, including irrigation farmers, dairymen, cities and businesses, to keep pumping water out of the Aquifer for one more year.
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Climate-2004 /
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U.S. Regional Drought /
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