Idaho And Western United States SNOTEL Water Year (Oct 1) to Date Precipitation % of Normal (3/10)

Bureau of Reclamation, Pacific Northwest Region - Storage Reservoirs in the Upper Snake River (3/9)

Average daily streamflows indicated in cubic feet per second.
Reservoir levels current as of midnight on date indicated.

Upper Snake River system is at 64 % of capacity.
(Jackson Lake,Palisades, Grassy Lake,Island Park,Ririe,American Falls,LakeWalcott)
Total space available:	1444901 AF
Total storage capacity:	4045695 AF

This Week's Drought Summary (3/5)

Since the beginning of December 2025, drought expanded and intensified across the Lower Mississippi Valley and Southern Great Plains which is typical during a La Nina winter. Much needed precipitation at the end of February led to small improvements across parts of the Southeast and also at least briefly stabilized the drought status for this region. Widespread severe to extreme drought is designated for much of the Carolinas, Georgia, southeastern Alabama, and Florida. A longer-term drought continues to affect the Mid-Atlantic and portions of the Northeast. The unusually dry winter persisted across the Midwest through the end of February with additional degradations made this past week. These worsening drought conditions extend west to the Central Great Plains along with the Central to Northern Rockies. Below-normal snowpack remains a major concern for the West heading into the spring. Drought coverage decreased in Hawaii during the past few weeks, while Alaska and Puerto Rico remained drought-free.

Northeast

Since the Nor’easter on February 22 and 23, little to no precipitation has occurred throughout the Northeast. A consensus of meteorological and hydrological drought metrics at various time scales supports the current Dx depiction. Therefore, drought coverage and intensity remained steady this past week. 12 and 24-month precipitation deficits are more than 8 and 16 inches, respectively, across portions of the Mid-Atlantic and New England. Severe (D2) to extreme (D3) drought continues for parts of New England, northern New Jersey, and eastern to southern Pennsylvania. 28-day average streamflows remain low (below the 10th percentile) for much of the Northern Mid-Atlantic.

Southeast

Heavy rainfall (1 to 3 inches, locally more) resulted in 1-category improvements to parts of Alabama, Georgia, and the Coastal Plain of the Carolinas. Despite the locally heavy rainfall, only modest improvements were warranted for the Southeast as 90-day precipitation deficits exceed 6 inches across much of Alabama, Georgia, and the Upstate of South Carolina. Extreme drought (D3) was expanded across south Georgia with severe drought (D2) extending north through most of North Carolina and into south-central Virginia. Consistent with a La Nina winter, drought has worsened the past few months with more than two-thirds of the Sunshine State designated with extreme (D3) drought. According to the National Interagency Fire Center, a wildfire at Florida’s Big Cypress National Preserve has grown to over 35,000 acres burned at the beginning of March.

South

Heavy rainfall (1 to 3 inches, locally more) resulted in a small 1-category improvement to parts of northeastern Tennessee. For the Lower Mississippi Valley and Southern Great Plains, drought continued to expand and intensify through the end of February and beginning of March. The major change this past week was a widespread 1-category degradation to Mississippi and also north-central Oklahoma. Since the beginning of December, precipitation has averaged less than 50 percent of normal across much of the Lower Mississippi Valley and Southern Great Plains. Impact reports from north-central Oklahoma include poor wheat conditions and surface water supply shortages. An expansion of moderate drought (D1) was also warranted for northeastern New Mexico. In addition to the drier-than-normal winter, 90-day temperatures have averaged 2 to 6 degrees F above normal. The lack of winter precipitation combined with periods of unseasonably warm temperatures and enhanced winds led to an increasing coverage of severe (D2) to extreme (D3) drought from the Mississippi River west through Oklahoma and Texas.

Midwest

Drought continued to expand and intensify across the Ohio Valley through the beginning of March, with 90-day precipitation averaging less than half of normal across western Kentucky, southeastern Missouri, and much of Indiana and Illinois. Paducah, Kentucky and Carbondale, Illinois had their driest meteorological winter (December 1, 2025 to February 28, 2026) on record. Drought initially over the Central Great Plains has recently overspread northwestern Iowa and southwestern Minnesota. Despite widespread precipitation amounts of 0.5 to 1.5 inches across central to southern Missouri from February 24 to March 2, little to no change was warranted for those areas.

High Plains

Although late winter is a relatively dry time of year across the Central Great Plains, periods of unseasonably warm temperatures and enhanced winds this past month led to intensifying drought across northeastern Colorado and Nebraska. 30-day temperatures averaged 6 to 10 degrees F above normal throughout the Great Plains. A 1-category degradation was made this past week to parts of Kansas and South Dakota. Widespread drought of varying intensity remains designated for much of Colorado and Wyoming. As of March 3, snow water equivalent is less than 70 percent of normal across the Central Rockies.

West

Water-year-to-date precipitation (October 1, 2025 to March 2, 2026) averaged below-normal for the Great Basin which led to a slight increase in moderate (D1) coverage across northeastern Nevada this past week. Following a drier- and warmer-than-normal February, a 1-category degradation was also made to parts of Montana. A 1-category degradation was also warranted for parts of Idaho, reflecting the below-normal precipitation and low snowpack this past winter. Even for areas of the West that have received above-normal precipitation since the beginning of October 1 such as the Northern Intermountain West and Northern Cascades of Washington, snow water equivalent (SWE) is running below normal. The low snowpack throughout much of the West is a major concern heading into the spring. As of March 3, SWE is less than 50 percent of normal from the Cascades of the Pacific Northwest southward through the Great Basin and Four Corners region. Although California remains drought-free, SWE is 59 percent of normal statewide according to the California Department of Water Resources.

Caribbean

Only a small area of abnormal dryness remains designated for southern Puerto Rico with most areas receiving above-normal precipitation during the past 30 to 120 days.

The U.S. Virgin Islands received meager precipitation over the past week but saw above normal rainfall for February, which is typically a dry time of year. St. Thomas and St. John received less than a third of an inch over the past week, according to citizen weather observers. St. Croix got from 0.11 inches to 0.59 inches.

The Vegetation Health Index indicates some mild stress for St. Croix. Water levels in wells on all three islands are dropping. All islands continue to be drought-free.

Pacific

Due to heavy snowfall during late February, abnormal dryness (D0) was discontinued across the Seward Peninsula. Also, D0 was reduced to the west of Anchorage. Based on below-normal snowfall, D0 was expanded to include more of the Prince William Sound area.

Recent heavy rainfall supported removal of abnormal dryness (D0) in Oahu. Based in part on 28-day average streamflows, a 1-category improvement was made to windward areas of Molokai and Maui. Additional improvements may be needed next week after further analysis of the heavy rainfall during late February.

The Republic of Palau received 1.87 and 1.94 inches of precipitation at Palau IAP and Koror, respectively. Water supplies should be sufficient as these locations need 2 inches of rainfall per week to meet minimum water needs.

The Mariana Islands all received 1.63 inches to 5 or more inches for the week. One inch is the weekly amount these islands need to meet minimum water needs. Guam reported 5.42 inches, Rota got 2.69 inches, and Tinian collected 2.31 inches.

The Federated States of Micronesia were mixed for the week. Lukunor and Yap remain at D0 and received less than 2 inches of rain. Precipitation has been low for Woleai in recent weeks, so the site entered D0. Kapingamarangi and Kosrae received less than 2 inches but reported ample rainfall in previous weeks and should have sufficient water supplies. Chuuk, Nukuoro, and Pohnpei all received more than 2 inches.

Some of the Marshall Islands reported plenty of precipitation, while other islands were lacking. Utirik and Wotje are in D2 and collected just 0.55 and 0.37 inches, respectively. Rainfall has been scarce for Kwajalein in recent weeks, so it was set to D0 this week after getting just 1.22 inches of rain. Ailinglaplap, Jaluit, Majuro, and Mili received between nearly 3 inches to more than 6 inches of rain. On Feb. 28, Majuro’s reservoirs held 37.8 million gallons of water.

American Samoa remained at D0 as rainfall has been below normal. Pago Pago and other locations each received 1.03 inches or less of rain. These islands require 2 inches of rain per week to meet minimum water needs.

Looking Ahead

A major pattern change is underway which will promote multiple low pressure systems tracking across the Great Plains and Midwest during early to mid-March. The Weather Prediction Center (valid March 5-9) depicts a swath of heavy precipitation (1 to 3 inches, locally more) from eastern Texas and southeastern Oklahoma northeast through the Lower to Middle Mississippi and Ohio Valleys. This heavier precipitation is forecast to extend into parts of the Northeast, but little to no precipitation is expected from Virginia south to Florida. Much-needed snowfall is expected across the Northern to Central Rockies, while dry weather prevails across California and the Southwest. Much above-normal temperatures are forecast across the southeastern and central U.S. where daily record highs may be broken from March 5 to 9.

The NWS 6-10 day outlook (valid March 10-14) calls for an increased chance of above-normal temperatures for the East, Middle to Lower Mississippi Valley, Southern Great Plains, Southwest, and California. Below-normal temperatures are more likely from the Pacific Northwest east to the Northern Great Plains. Below-normal temperatures are strongly favored for Alaska. The 6-10 day outlook favors above-normal precipitation from the Mississippi Valley to the East Coast. Above-normal precipitation probabilities decrease west across the Great Plains. Above-normal precipitation is also favored for the Pacific Northwest and Northern Rockies. Near to below-normal precipitation is favored across Alaska, while large above-normal precipitation probabilities are forecast throughout Hawaii.

Crop Progress - State Stories

ARIZONA: This report is for the week ending March 1, 2026. By week’s end, 61 percent of Arizona barley had emerged, of which 15 percent had headed, up 2 and 15 percentage points, respectively, from the previous year’s levels. Arizona barley was rated in mostly good to excellent condition, with only 9 percent of the crop rated fair. Similarly, 66 percent of Arizona’s Durum wheat had emerged, of which 13 percent had headed, up 5 and 13 percentage points, respectively, from the previous year’s levels. Arizona’s Durum wheat was rated in mostly good to excellent condition, with only 1 percent of the crop rated fair. Alfalfa hay harvest continued to take place on approximately 55 percent of the crop’s acreage throughout the State. Arizona’s alfalfa crop was rated in mostly good to excellent condition, with only 4 percent of the crop rated fair. Pasture and range conditions throughout the State deteriorated when compared to that of the previous report. Thirty-six percent of the State’s pasture and rangeland was rated very poor, 41 percent was rated poor, 15 percent was rated fair, and 8 percent was rated good. Reports from eastern counties have reiterated that grazing conditions continue to deteriorate as a result of prolonged drought. However, annual spring forages have emerged in areas of lower elevation which has provided some relief to livestock producers. Topsoil moisture levels continue to fall as much of the State has been affected by drought. Fifteen percent of the State is rated very short, 14 percent is rated short, and 71 percent is rated adequate. Subsoil moisture levels followed a similar trend. Over the past week, measurable precipitation was lacking across much of the State. However, throughout the month of February, Arizona experienced widespread precipitation across central areas. According to data from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), western areas of the San Francisco Plateau received the most precipitation, accumulating approximately 3.50 inches while other areas of the State received anywhere from trace amounts to 2.50 inches of total precipitation. The seasonal mean temperature and total precipitation outlooks for March, April, and May were issued by the National Weather Service on February 19, 2026. The seasonal mean temperature outlook continues to show that temperatures will likely be above normal for the entirety of the State, with southeastern regions having a higher probability of experiencing warmer temperatures than the remainder of the State. Similarly, the seasonal total precipitation outlook continues to show that precipitation will likely be below normal for the entirety of the State, with the eastern quarter of Arizona having a higher probability of experiencing below average precipitation than the remaining three-quarters of the State. Arizona’s seasonal drought outlook was updated on February 28, 2026. The outlook now shows that conditions are expected to persist throughout all areas of the State that were affected by moderate drought (D1) or higher on February 24. Excluding far western regions, drought development is expected across all remaining areas of the State. Current streamflow conditions were rated from much below to above normal. Streamflow conditions are suffering the most in the Upper San Pedro, Upper Santa Cruz, Upper Salt, and Lower Gila River Basins. As of February 24, 2026, the U.S. Drought Monitor showed no change in conditions when compared to that of the report dated January 27. Abnormally dry conditions (D0) bounded 34 percent of the State, moderate drought (D1) encompassed 28 percent, and severe drought (D2) enveloped 6 percent of the State’s total land area. Arizona remained free of extreme (D3) and exceptional (D4) drought. Over the past week, temperatures were above normal according to the High Plains Regional Climate Center (HPRCC). Daytime highs throughout Arizona ranged from 9 to 15 degrees above normal and ranged from the upper 50’s in north-central Coconino County to the mid 90’s across southwestern regions of the State. Overnight lows ranged from 3 degrees below to 15 degrees above normal and ranged from 25 to 45 degrees across northern and eastern counties, whereas counties within the Sonoran Desert experienced lows of 50 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit. 

CALIFORNIA: Days suitable for fieldwork 6.4. Topsoil moisture 90% adequate, and 10% surplus. Subsoil moisture 5% short, 90% adequate and 5% surplus. Pasture and range condition 5% fair, 50% good, and 45% excellent. Winter wheat condition 5% fair, 25% good, and 70% excellent. As of March 2, snowpack content ranged from 9.8 in the Northern Sierra, 15.6 in the Central Sierra, and 18.8 in the Southern Sierra. After a relatively dry January, rain was abundant during February and provided much needed moisture. Winter grains grew in vibrant green hues and alfalfa fields continued to grow well. Wheat, oats, barley, and triticale were well established for the season. Wet field conditions limited mechanical field work towards the end of February. However, sunny afternoons toward the end of the month allowed growers to complete essential field preparations for spring crops. Winter vegetables grew quickly during the month, and some were harvested. There was some lack of availability of broccoli due to planting gaps from excessive rain during late November and early December. Carrot harvest neared completion in Kern County by months end, while harvest began in the Imperial Valley. The garlic crop was progressing well with good quality. In Tulare County, onions, kale, cauliflower and cabbage were harvested and available at farmers’ markets. Almond orchards bloomed during the month as brush was cleared and fallen trees were removed. Bee colonies were placed in almond orchards for pollination. Growers applied full bloom spray. Pistachio and walnut orchards were pruned and cleaned. Growers sprayed their orchards with fungicides, insecticides, and herbicides. Many sprayings were applied aerially due to the wet conditions. Stone fruit was in various stages of bloom throughout the month and leaves were emerging. Bee colonies were placed amid the blooming trees. Grape vineyards were pruned, and their vines were tied. Persimmon harvest was ongoing. Asian pear trees were blooming. Rain during the third week of February hampered berry harvest and was expected to improve by the end of the month. Olive orchards were pruned and cleaned. Navel orange, grapefruit, pummelo, tangelo, mandarin, and lemon harvests were ongoing, however there was some delay by heavy rainfall during the month. Rangeland remained green and lush with rising temperatures during the daytime and additional rain. Both irrigated and non-irrigated pastures were in good condition. Sheep were grazing on various alfalfa fields throughout the month. 

IDAHO: The average February temperatures were above normal across the State. High-elevation snow was good, but low- to mid-elevation snow and precipitation were lacking. The combination of warmer temperatures and limited moisture led to earlier than usual spring field preparations and caused soil moisture to fall below normal levels. Winter cereals and alfalfa began breaking dormancy ahead of schedule, and winter annual weeds grew rapidly. The mild winter reduced stress on new calves. Warmer weather also reduced the use of hay stocks, and supplies looked good heading into the calving and lambing season. 

MONTANA: This report for Montana is for the entire month of February 2026. Topsoil moisture 12% very short, 60% short, 28% adequate. Subsoil moisture 11% very short, 68% short, 20% adequate, 1% surplus. Winter wheat condition 82% fair, 18% good. Winter wheat – wind damage was 3% none, 74% light, 14% moderate, 9% severe. Winter wheat – freeze damage 59% none, 26% light, 14% moderate, 1% severe. Winter wheat – protectiveness of snow cover 88% very poor, 9% poor, 3% fair. Pasture and range condition 35% very poor, 27% poor, 30% fair, 8% good. Livestock grazing accessibility 83% open, 11% difficult, 6% closed. Cows calved 10%. Cattle receiving supplemental feed 88%. Ewes lambed 9%. Sheep receiving supplemental feed 89%. February precipitation was average to well below average across much of the State, while average temperatures ran from 3 degrees to more than 15 degrees above average. Survey comments supported the noted weather information. Producer concerns centered around the lack of spring runoff relative to filling natural water sources for livestock and irrigation. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor published for February 24, roughly 10 percent of the State was drought free, compared with nearly 41 percent February 25, 2025. Other drought categorizations included abnormally dry (D0) at nearly 34 percent, moderate drought (D1) at just over 38 percent, severe drought (D2) at 14 percent, and extreme drought (D3) at just over 4 percent. 

NEVADA: Days suitable for fieldwork 7.0. Topsoil moisture 5% very short, 5% short, 80% adequate, and 10% surplus. Subsoil moisture 5% very short, 15% short, 75% adequate, and 5% surplus. Pasture and range condition 5% very poor, 0% poor, 70% fair, 15% good, and 10% excellent. While Nevada saw some precipitation in February, it was not enough to improve the drought conditions from the previous month. As of February 24, 34% of the State was not in a drought, 45% of the State was abnormally dry, while 19% was in Moderate Drought and 2% was in Severe Drought according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. Alfalfa was still dormant. Annual weeds started to germinate. 

OREGON: In Polk County, February was dry until the final week. Three days of rain had led to ponding in crop fields. Spraying for weeds had begun. Hazelnut trees had produced many catkins, and pollination had occurred. In other parts of northwest Oregon, agronomic and horticultural crops had been good. It had been too wet to do any soil tilling, but there had been windows for crop protection applications. Benton and Lincoln counties experienced hail, snow, and flooding amid early spring growth. The significant rainfall and high tides caused localized flooding in pastureland. There had been an active growth of cool-season pasture grasses. While the snowpack in the Blue Mountains was well below normal, rainfall quantity and timing in lower elevations were beneficial for the wheat crop; however, stripe rust was evident on susceptible wheat varieties. Producers had begun preparing the ground for spring crops. In Malheur County, concerns over low snowpack and a lack of precipitation were growing ahead of the crop season. Lake County had received significant rainfall, helping increase storage levels in the reservoirs. 

UTAH: This report for Utah is for the entire month of February 2026. Topsoil moisture 8% very short, 36% short, 54% adequate, 2% surplus. Subsoil moisture 13% very short, 34% short, 53% adequate. Pasture and range condition 63% fair, 33% good, 4% excellent. Winter wheat condition 4% fair, 92% good, 4% excellent. Hay and roughage supplies 9% very short, 22% short, 65% adequate, 4% surplus. Stock water supplies 10% short, 82% adequate, 8% surplus. Cattle and calves condition 18% fair, 40% good, 42% excellent. Sheep and lambs condition 21% fair, 69% good, 10% excellent. Livestock receiving supplemental feed for cattle 90%. Livestock receiving supplemental feed for sheep 91%. Cows calved 11%. Ewes lambed-farm flock 8%. Ewes lambed-range flock 4%. Mild temperatures along with a few snowstorms occurred throughout the State for the month of February. Snowpack in Utah, according to Natural Resources Conservation Service as of March 2, 2026, was 61 percent measured as percent of median snowfall Beaver, Cache, Grand, and Summit Counties noted conditions were mild and abnormally dry during February with below normal snowpack. Cache, Grand, and Summit Counties receive some rain or snow within the past week. Beaver and Summit Counties reports that livestock producers were dealing with no calving and lambing issues. 

WASHINGTON: In Washington, snowpack remained significantly below normal. Overall, winter has been both warmer and drier than average. All regions received some moisture during the month, in most cases as rainfall. Producers across the State began moving forward with spring work. Winter crops generally looked good. Winter wheat mites were reported in northern Lincoln County, where some growers sprayed for them. Winter wheat was ahead of development, given the time of year. Herbicide spraying will start in the next few weeks as temperatures remain unseasonably warm. 

WYOMING: This report for Wyoming is for the entire month of February 2026. Topsoil moisture 41% very short, 38% short, 21% adequate. Subsoil moisture 55% very short, 29% short, 16% adequate. Winter wheat condition 18% very poor, 33% poor, 48% fair, 1% good. Cows calved 11%. Ewes lambed 15%. Sheep shorn 25%. Livestock condition 1% very poor, 1% poor, 12% fair, 73% good, 13% excellent. Pasture and range condition 20% very poor, 28% poor, 28% fair, 24% good. Hay and roughage supplies 3% very short, 16% short, 71% adequate, 10% surplus. Stock water supplies 20% very short, 21% short, 55% adequate, 4% surplus. February precipitation varied from average to well below average, depending on location, while average temperatures ran 6 degrees to more than 15 degrees above average. Survey comments noted extreme dryness across several counties, while other areas had received mountain snow and lever elevation rainfall. Producer concerns centered around diminished snowpack across most mountain ranges in the State, and the result that will have on irrigation water supplies. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor published for February 24, roughly 6 percent of the State was drought free, compared with about 4 percent drought free on February 25, 2025. Other drought categorizations included abnormally dry (D0) at just over 15 percent, moderate drought (D1) at just over 50 percent, severe drought (D2) at nearly 25 percent, and extreme drought (D3) at just over 3 percent.