Below are links to various websites and information from the Drought and Water Conservation Committee that can help you prepare for and respond to drought. For more information on our efforts, see Drought & Water Conservation Committee.
Angling for the Future: Blackfoot River - PDF
Thank you for your interest in the Blackfoot Challenge's drought efforts!
Drought Committee Updates:
March 2010 Blackfoot Water Supply Report
March 17, 2010
Dear Blackfoot Water Users,
The Blackfoot Drought Committee has been meeting monthly in 2010 to monitor snow pack and precipitation. If you have been watching snow pack this winter, you are already aware that conditions are less than ideal. As of March 1, 2010, snow pack in the Blackfoot was 61% of average and had declined 7% since February 1st. Overall precipitation for the water year (which begins on October 1st) is only 70% of average.
Early forecasts from the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) estimate streamflows to be 43% to 60% of average in 2010. The March 1st low flow forecast for the Blackfoot has flows falling below 700 cfs between July 18th and August 5th with average precipitation. River flows below 700 cfs could be reached even earlier if precipitation is below average.
Precipitation and temperature in the next few months will be critical. While it is possible conditions could improve, the likelihood of fully making up snow pack deficits at this point is very low. Long-term weather forecasts from the National Weather Service show strong chances for above average temperatures with equal chances of above or below average precipitation.
Current conditions are concerning. We cannot predict exactly how this spring and summer will unfold but based on available information the Blackfoot Drought Committee expects that the Drought Response will be needed in 2010. We will continue to monitor conditions throughout the spring and provide you with further updates. We encourage you to monitor conditions as well and incorporate the possibility of low flows triggering the Drought Response into your management plans for this summer.
Thank you and please feel free to contact us with any questions.
Brian McDonald Harry Poett
Blackfoot Drought Committee Coordinator Blackfoot Drought Committee Chair
406-493-0033 406-793-5107
brian@blackfootchallenge.org poetts@blackfoot.net
Monitoring Drought Conditions in the Blackfoot:
Monitoring Streamflow:
Current streamflow conditions listed by gauge station. Five gauge stations are located in the Blackfoot: Blackfoot River near Bonner, North Fork Blackfoot River near Ovando, Blackfoot River above Nevada Creek, Nevada Creek above reservoir and Nevada Creek at the mouth. USGS Real-Time Data for Montana Streamflow
Monitoring Water Supply:
5 monthly Water Supply Outlook Reports and the Low Flow forecast data. NRCS Water Supply & Reservoir Storage
Monitoring Precipitation:
Snow and precipitation data (both site and basin wide) for the current water year. NRCS Snow Survey Program
Drought Education & Mitigation:
National Drought Mitigation Center
Important information on the impacts and effects of drought.
Montana Natural Resource Information System
Links to various state and federal agencies as well as drought data, resources and assistance.
Montana Natural Resource Conservation Service
The NRCS Montana State website contains substantial information on crop and range management, wildfire, water conservation, and tips for homeowners in the Technical Resources section.
Water saving tips for the home.
Governor's Drought Information Webpage
Protecting Your Home From Fire:
Fire Wise
Tips for fire safety, links to other helpful websites, educational material, and technical assistance.
Keep Green
Tips on how to make your home fire safe from landscaping to indoors.
Fishing & Recreation:
Blackfoot River Recreation Management – 2008 Annual Report by Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks
Montana Fish, Wildlife, & Parks
Information on impacts of drought to fish & wildlife. Tips on how general recreating public (anglers, hunters, etc) can help reduce impacts. FWP fishing closure policies and status reports.
