While drought conditions are slowly easing, there's one spot in Montana still hurting for moisture, and that's the Blackfoot Basin, which remains in D4, or "exceptional drought" conditions.

And experts are worried whether this year is the "new normal" as the pattern of drier, hotter years looks to continue.

River levels have continued to drop over the past month, with river flows around 400 cubic feet per second this week. And relief may still be weeks away.

Newstalk KGVO 1290 AM & 98.3 FM logo
Get our free mobile app

Why is the Blackfoot in extreme drought

State of Montana Climatologist Kelsey Jencso says problems started with half the usual snowfall last winter and didn't get any better through the summer.

We had a period of cool weather in the spring and some late-season rainfall and snow events, but that didn't do enough to really fill the cup," explains Jensco. "If you think about it, this watersheds a big cup and it was about 57% full in terms of input, some moisture.” 

State Climatologist Kelsey Jencso speaks during a press conference; Dennis Bragg photo
State Climatologist Kelsey Jencso speaks during a press conference; Dennis Bragg photo
loading...
U.S. Drought Monitor
U.S. Drought Monitor
loading...

What's being done?

The Blackfoot Challenge, which represents all water users including agriculture, urged voluntary water restrictions as early as June, with mandatory water restrictions in mid-July. That's weeks earlier than usual.

Water Steward Clancy Jandreau says those partnerships are helping to save everything from cattle to fish.

“Despite these challenges and these difficult actions that we've had to make, the good news is that we have 24 years worth of partnership building and collaboration that has prepared us for years like this.” 

Dennis Bragg photo
Dennis Bragg photo
loading...

Excluding Southwest Texas, the Blackfoot is the only place in the West in "extreme drought."

READ MORE: What is the Most Accurate Outlook for Montana's Winter?

Fall is Best Season in Troy, MT

More From Newstalk KGVO 1290 AM & 98.3 FM