Above average temperatures, moisture reported

Wyoming experienced warmer than average temperatures for the month of January, according to USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service, Mountain Regional Field Office, Wyoming. Nineteen of the 34 reporting stations reported above average temperatures for the month with the high temperature of 64 degrees recorded at Old Fort Laramie and Wheatland, and a low of 22 degrees below zero at Lance Creek. Above normal moisture was reported at 18 of the reporting stations with one station (Wheatland) reporting no precipitation. Worland reported the most moisture with 2 inches. A reporter from north central Wyoming indicated that they have lots of melted down snow, which makes for crusted, icy conditions. Another reporter stated that they have had cold conditions with dry snow and very little of that leading to concern about drought. They also indicated that so far the livestock seem to be doing well. A reporter from southwestern Wyoming indicated that they received a couple of small snow storms, but mostly mild temperatures. A reporter from south central Wyoming indicated that they have received limited moisture with the sno-tel sites on the Upper North Platte at 81 percent of normal and the Little Snake River at 74 percent of normal. A reporter from southeastern Wyoming indicated that winter conditions have persisted with snow cover since mid-December. Another reporter from southeastern Wyoming stated they got some moisture but the wind has made the county remain dry. Hay and roughage supplies for Wyoming were rated 2 percent very short, 10 percent short, 76 percent adequate and 12 percent surplus. Stock water supplies across Wyoming were rated 8 percent very short, 14 percent short, 75 percent adequate, and 3 percent surplus.

Monthly reports will be released for February on Feb. 26 and for March on March 26.