This winter, the lack of the usual snow in Idaho is enough to make any residents wonder just what is going on.
David Hoekema is a hydrologist with the Idaho Department of Water Resources, and he says this winter is unlike anything the state has ever experienced.
“1934 is our warmest year historically,” Hoekema said. “The winter was incredibly warm and this winter we’re just slightly warmer than 1934. And so, I think we're probably on a trajectory to set a new temperature record because the climate outlooks are looking like it will probably be warmer than normal through January.”
Idaho has seen record lows for snowfall this winter, causing many ski resorts to wait to open. This peculiar weather will not only impact winter recreationalists.
“In Eastern Idaho and Southern Idaho, we're going to probably see low reservoir conditions by the end of next year,” Hoekema said.
Is any relief in sight this winter? It’s impossible to know for sure, but Hoekema does not expect it.
“It's hard to know exactly what it's going to look like, but it's not looking the best,” Hoekema said. “Things can change. Nature has a way of playing tricks on us, but this one looks rough.”
You can see the latest snowpack information on the Idaho Department of Water Resources website.