Wyoming expects below normal spring runoff this year

CASPER, Wyo. (AP) — Most rivers in Wyoming will be at below-average levels this spring, a report said.

The report released Monday by the U.S. Department of Agriculture estimated that the North Platte River, which runs through Casper, will be at less than half of its average where it enters the Nebraska Panhandle, KTWO-AM reported.

USDA Hydrologist Jim Fahey said spring runoff values will be about 80% for Wyoming, while the Yellowstone and Shoshone rivers are estimated to be closer to 100%. He also said the state started the new year with dry soil conditions, hindering initial runoff projections.

“We will just have to see how the rest of the winter goes and more importantly, how the upcoming spring pans out with precipitation,” Fahey said.

The report came after the National Weather Service in Riverton said drought conditions are not expected to improve.