IDAHO CITY, Idaho — Idaho is experiencing its warmest winter since 1934 and its lowest snowpack since the 1980s, raising concerns about water availability for agriculture, wildfire risk and the state’s economy.
The lack of snow is affecting more than tourism and recreation. Hydrologists said the depleted snowpack could strain Idaho’s irrigation system and agricultural sector while potentially fueling an active wildfire season.
Snowpack — the layer of snow that accumulates in Idaho’s mountains during winter — serves as the state’s natural water storage system. As temperatures rise in spring and summer, melting snow feeds rivers, reservoirs and irrigation canals, supporting agriculture, drinking water supplies and fish habitats while helping prevent wildfires…