Lake DeSmet Operations Concerned About Filling Reservoir

During his recent update to the Johnson County Commission, Lake DeSmet Operations Manager Paul Mavrakis said he was concerned about the dry winter that has happened so far, and said he hopes conditions improve during the spring.

Paul Mavrakis.

Mavrakis said this year will be “a little more interesting than last year.”

The Water Resources Data System and State Climate Office, (www.wrds.uwyo.edu), reports the Powder River Drainage is currently at 69% of median snow water equivalent in the upper elevations of the Bighorn Mountains, as of March 10.

According to snoflo.org, snowpack levels across the state are currently 75% of normal, but a Winter Weather Advisory is in effect for the Northeast Bighorn Mountains, with snow accumulations of 4 to 8 inches expected.