Water managers in western states are expressing relief as snowpack levels across the region are easing drought and replenishing reservoirs. In California, winter storms nearly doubled the snowpack average for this time of the year. All major reservoirs in the northern part of the state, including Lake Oroville, pictured, are more than 90% full and expected to reach capacity. “California’s cities and farms can expect ample water supplies this summer,” said Department of Water Resources Director Karla Nemeth.

An abnormal dryness designation was removed in northeast Montana, where long-term precipitation deficits had improved, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. “We’re kind of right where we need to be for snowmelt at this point,” said Natural Resources Conservation Service water supply specialist Lucas Zukiewicz.

Precipitation in April was up to 120% of average in Wyoming, and mountain snowpack is currently between 90 to 100 percent of median, according to the latest state Water Supply Outlook released by the National Weather Service.

All eight major river basins in Colorado are well above normal with snowpack, a completely different story when compared to last year. Wildfire experts in the state are predicting a slightly-below-average fire season thanks to high snowpack, but Gov. Jared Polis is urging residents to remain vigilant. 

Western Workforce Development: Western states including Colorado, Utah, Arizona, Wyoming and Kansas stood out in a new report as places with the lowest rates of "brain drain." As some states struggle with retaining talented workers, learn how Colorado is quickly becoming a hub of higher education policy, innovation and collaboration.

Wins for Fins: Native fish are getting a boost in the Rio Grande thanks to elementary and middle-school students in New Mexico. And in Colorado, a new ladder for fish is reconnecting potions of the Poudre River to enable travel for spawning.

Visitation Boosts Wyoming Economy: Tourism in Wyoming accounted for $3.8 billion in spending last year and has steadily experienced an annual 2.5% increase since 2007. “Throughout 2018, Wyoming’s tourism industry maintained its excellence in welcoming visitors with the state’s beautiful scenery and innovative events,” said executive director for the Wyoming Office of Tourism Diane Shober.

Pedal Power: The Rails-to-Trails Conservancy just unveiled its preferred route to complete a coast-to-coast bike trail. The route will cross Nebraska, Wyoming, Montana, Idaho and Washington. The project, which is already 52% complete, connects existing rail-trails, greenways and multiuse paths spanning more than 3,700 miles.

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