More evidence of a worsening drought scenario can be seen in the weekly U.S. Department of Agriculture’s snowpack telemetry reports, also known as SNOTEL reports, which measure snowpack, water equivalent, precipitation, and temperature to forecast water supplies, predict floods, and assist in climate research.

Current state SNOTELs are reading 41% of median with a basin high of 84% (Yellowstone) and a basin low of 2% (Lower Platte). Last year the state was at 69%, and at 108% in 2024.

Following the warmest winter on record, much of the state is under severe drought, particularly in the east and southeast, where fire danger is high and water shortages are anticipated. About 90% of the state is considered experiencing drought to one degree or another, ranging from moderate (D1) to severe (D2) and extreme (D3) in eastern/southeastern regions.

One critical question: How will current conditions affect fire risk in the state? The ongoing dry conditions have already triggered warnings for an early fire season. Northwest Wyoming experienced the state’s largest wildland fire last month at Yellowtail Wildlife Habitat Management Area, near Lovell.

Interestingly, the state’s wettest climate is in the Bighorn, Shoshone, Yellowstone and Madison headwaters areas. That said, all the basins are reporting drought conditions.

There are 88 SNOTEL sites in Wyoming. These 88 sites cover various mountain ranges, including the Bighorn Mountains, Absaroka Mountains, and the Teton Range. These stations are crucial for forecasting water supply and monitoring drought conditions, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

Over 850 high-elevation data collection stations in the Western U.S. operated by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service. These stations measure snowpack, water equivalent, precipitation, and temperature to forecast water supplies, predict floods and assist in climate research.