The National Weather Service reports mountain snowpack and associated snow water equivalents across most of Wyoming continued to be generally above average by the middle of April. Those at the peak snowmelt runoff elevations of 8,500 to 10,000 feet were the highest in western basins including the Snake Basin, ranging from 120 to 130 percent. And while it is still early to be able to predict the overall effect this on drought recovery, the slow melt-off seems to bode well for the summer season ahead. Forest Spokesperson Mary Cernicek says that would be welcome news after the fire seasons of the past couple years.
However, abundant moisture in the spring can be a double-edged sword, with the grasses and light vegetation growing prolifically; then drying out and becoming a higher fire risk late in the summer.
Farmer’s Almanac is predicting this summer will be hotter and drier than normal, with the hottest periods coming in mid- and late June, mid-July, and early to mid-August.
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