Blackfoot Drought Response Committee
Box 1, Ovando, MT 59854

April 27, 2004

Dear Blackfoot Water Users, 

Drought conditions in the Blackfoot are predicted this year largely due to a lack of precipitation and warmer weather over the past few months.  These conditions, coupled with the effects of a sustained drought period over the last six years, will make this a difficult year for everyone.

Updated snow pack, precipitation, and stream flow forecasts will be available from the USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service within the next 10 days.  Current forecasts indicate that the Blackfoot River is likely to peak near the first week of May.  Flows below 700 cfs, as measured at Bonner, could develop in early to mid-July.  Low flow predictions for the end of August range from 500 to 425 cfs. 

Given current forecasts, we recommend that water users begin to allow for adjustments in their management in preparation for late season low flows.  We recommend that:

• Irrigators: Consider early irrigation of pastures to take advantage of water availability.
• All water users: Review your individual drought plans.
• All water users: Monitor stream flow conditions throughout the season and plan accordingly.
• All water users: Leave flexibility in your operation plans that allow adjustments should extreme low flows occur.
• All water users: Use water judiciously.
• Outfitters: Consider contacting clientele to inform them of drought conditions this year.
• Anglers and other Recreational users: Consider using other areas such as lakes or ponds in the Blackfoot and limit fishing to the morning hours.

In the following weeks, Mike McLane will be contacting irrigators to prepare drought plans and Stan Bradshaw will be contacting outfitters to prepare contingency plans.  In addition, the committee will be working to reach people outside of the Blackfoot asking them to join our effort.

The following committee members are available to discuss issues, answer your questions, and assist you with water conservation measures: Harry Poett (406-793-5107), Jim Stone (406-793-5830), Mike McLane (406-444-1806), Stan Bradshaw (406-449-9922), and Brian McDonald (406-442-4002).  The committee will be posting periodic reports on the Blackfoot Challenge website, www.blackfootchallenge.org, to keep water users informed.  The Blackfoot Challenge website also contains links to the USGS and NRCS websites which monitor stream flow, snow pack, and precipitation.

We appreciate everyone’s participation in the Blackfoot Emergency Drought Response and water conservation efforts over the past four years.  The committee will continue to monitor and report on conditions in the Blackfoot.  Although the committee had hoped to avoid asking for your "shared sacrifice", we will need to implement our Emergency Drought Response this year.

Sincerely,

Harry Poett, Chair
Blackfoot Drought Response Committee
Box 1
Ovando, MT 59854

Blackfoot Challenge Drought & Water Conservation Committee