Phil Rosenlund
310 West 19^th St. Suite 100
Cheyenne, WY 82001
307 633-4383

Wyoming again faces severe drought conditions, said Phil Rosenlund, University of Wyoming Extension Educator. Governor Geringer recently said, the State of Wyoming, is again experiencing severe drought. Drought is a recurring, but unpredictable, climatic condition that is a prime source of annual variation of rangeland productivity and stream runoff. The government defines drought as a period of insufficient rainfall for normal plant growth, which begins when soil moisture is so low that vegetation roots cannot absorb enough water to replace that lost by transpiration.

Much of Wyoming is facing a third year of severe drought conditions, and the fifth year of below average moisture conditions in many areas. Many ranchers have had to down size their ranches, by selling livestock because of lack of feed. Others have chosen to purchased feed, or leased other lands to carry them thru until adequate moisture arrives. Both decision can be expensive to the livestock producer.

The chances of drought recovery this year is minimal said Rosenlund. With most areas of the state recording significant levels of below average readings. The ability to move up to an average condition would take above average precipitation. Long term forecasts show near normal chances average precipitation. The soil and sub soil moisture levels are low and above average precipitation is required to fill the soil profile.

The states winter snow pack typically reaches its maximum levels around April 1. With the low levels of snow pack statewide this year, it leaves the state water users hoping for good spring moisture and a late summer monsoon to help ease what becoming an almost certain shortage of water this summer for the state.

Snow pack in Wyoming refers to the accumulation of snow that gradually adds up over the course of winter, mostly in the mountains. The water content of snowpack is what water officials monitor closely because its directly relates to the amount of water that will end up in Wyoming's rivers, streams, reservoirs and irrigation canals during the late spring and summer. With most mountain areas only reflecting 40% to 80% of normal, water runoff is below normal.

Water shortage affects many industries, including ranchers, farmer, vegetable growers and greenhouse owners, as well as individual urban home owners and how they will use water. Some water users will be impacted more than others. For example, people who own irrigation rights and have junior water rights will impacted by the low snowpack because of their low priority for water use.

Food producers, including farmers and ranchers, may be the most affected by drought, but urban water users can experience consequences also. Water conservation is an important tool that can help preserve water during a dry year. Some strategies that all citizens can use to contribute to water conservation is to reduced their personal water use at home and on their landscapes. To find help out about more water conservation tips you can contact the local Cooperative Extension Service office, usually under county government in the phone book. The University of Wyoming has a web site at www.uwyo.edu/ces/drought/drought_main.html look under horticulture tips.