Author: United States Department of Agriculture
The past week brought winter storms and significant snow to some areas in the State of Montana, according to the Mountain Regional
Field Office of the National Agricultural Statistics Service, USDA.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), temperatures for the week ending April 2, 2023, ranged from 59 degrees to 6 degrees across the State. Drought conditions improved slightly in areas experiencing moderate and severe drought.
However, overall drought conditions continued to persist.
According to the U.S. Drought Monitor published on March 30, 2023, 81.1 percent of the State was experiencing abnormally dry or
drought conditions, down from 84.0 percent at the end of March.
Thirty-six percent of the state was rated as abnormally dry, 35.0 percent was rated as being in moderate drought, and 10.0 percent was rated as experiencing severe drought conditions.
In Blaine County, snow and windy conditions were reported with livestock feed in high demand. Ravalli County also reported
that feed, and minerals continued to be necessary as pastures have not yet begun to produce grass.
Valley County reported at least a foot of snowpack remaining and no field activity. The states Winter wheat breaking dormancy was at 4 percent.
