“According to the Bureau of Reclamation’s data and forecasts, things look optimistic for water levels in Wyoming’s major reservoirs. But just days ago, the Wind River Water Resource Control Board put out an announcement that the reservation was being placed under a D4 drought classification – the most severe drought classification it has.

…

“This ‘tale of two winters,’ snowy peaks but bare valleys, creates unique challenges heading into spring,” Beck commented. “For agriculture and soil health, the lack of valley snow means soils have missed out on gradual winter moisture recharge and protective insulation against freeze-thaw cycles and wind erosion…”

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Traditionally, University of Wyoming Ecosystem Science and Management Professor Ginger Paige explained how wet soils in basin areas have been considered negligible when it comes to groundwater recharge and so tracking snowpack in basin areas has not been prioritized by many agencies. This means less equipment has been placed in basin areas.

“We’ve never counted it as important – but it might be,” she noted.

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In areas like the Upper Missouri Basin, it is increasingly apparent that this soil moisture may be playing a significant role in flooding risks. As a result, beginning to track soil moisture and snowpack has been considered a priority in the Missouri Basin.

Paige said that while she is still optimistic that late snowfall and precipitation will compensate for the warm temperatures and late start to the season, if the weather remains consistent, the Wind River Basin may experience similar troubles with flooding concerns.”

This story breaks down snowpack and water data measurements from several local agencies, discrepancies in upcoming drought predictions and highlights the strong possibilities of local environmental dangers as a result of changing climate.

This article was reported and published for the Riverton Ranger and Lander Journal. The full article can be accessed here

Published: Feb. 7, 2026

My role: co-reporter and graphic developer