Drought

The Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation warns that ongoing dry weather and diminished snowpack could lead to widespread water shortages and heightened fire danger this summer.

Drought in Montana is always a serious problem - not just because of wildfire risk during summer months, but because our population continues to rise and everyone needs clean drinking water. This year, there are some real areas of concern.

Discover the impact of drought on Freezout Lake Wildlife Management Area in Montana, affecting its iconic snow geese migration.

Montana's lack of snowfall and our dangerously low snowpack levels are becoming the stuff of fire season nightmares. As the winter weeks go by, our 'percentages of normal' keep ticking lower - and that's not good news for this summer.

Bozeman may not be the only Montana city to enact early water use restrictions this year. A very significant portion of the state is already in "Exceptional Drought" condition.

Snowpack levels are certainly not at ideal levels throughout southwest Montana at the end of March. A month that often sees big, wet dumps of snow just didn't materialize in 2022.

Well, it means a few important things. Not least of which could be water usage surcharges if we're not careful. Smart landscape watering is the main goal to reduce Bozeman's water usage during this dry summer.

The Bozeman City Commission will discuss the option in a meeting next Tuesday.

Are fireworks a part of your 4th of July celebration plans?

Some towns in Montana are limiting residential water use. Will Bozeman be next?

Stage 1 fire restrictions will go into effect on Friday.