Idaho snowpack has water experts cautiously optimistic

[TexasTowelie]

BOISE, Idaho (AP) — Idaho’s snowpack levels are in good shape and water experts are cautiously optimistic about water levels in the coming months.

Daniel Tappa, a hydrologist with the Natural Resource Conservation Service, said Thursday that by Jan. 1 most of the state had higher-than-normal snowpack levels.

The snowpack replenishes water supplies in reservoirs, waterways and aquifers as it melts, so higher snowpack levels can mean more water available in spring and summer to support agriculture, communities and ecosystems.

“We’re off to a good start in most basins and we’ve increased our odds to see above normal snowpack in most cases, but we’re not out of the woods yet,” said Daniel Tappa, a hydrologist with the National Resources Conservation Service. “There are still scenarios in which we could see above or below normal snowpack.”

Read more: https://www.idahostatejournal.com/news/state/idaho-snowpack-has-water-experts-cautiously-optimistic/article_67abf871-720b-516d-a583-e221341d3f76.html

[brewens]

1. I used to take all my vacations in August because you could count on clear hot weather.

I'd go on float trips sometimes and drive shuttle for a bunch of rafters. Hells Canyon that time of year used to be awesome. You didn't need any more than a light raincoat and whatever you like to wear playing in the water. Even if a thunderstorm came through, it couldn't get cold enough to bother anyone.

In recent years, I'd be out of my mind to plan anything like that in the middle of August because of the smoke. I'm not optimistic. We might get a break this year which would be nice, but I bet too hot and dry is the norm in the future.