Despite rain, Wyoming drought persists

GILLETTE, Wyo.-Despite last week's heavy rains that caused local flooding of creeks, streams and basements, the drought still persists in northeast Wyoming. "It's kind of a confusing situation," state climatologist Steve Gray said. "The short-term situation has really turned around." But the long-term situation of below-average snowpack, aquifers and reservoirs has not disappeared with spring rain, even though it has been more than twice the normal average, he said. Gray noted that the Keyhole Reservoir, situated east of Gillette, is still 37 percent of its average level. It would take steady rain and snow through next spring for the long-term effects of the eight-year drought to begin to work themselves out, Gray said. While the rest of the year looks good, he acknowledged that long-term predictions are at best tough to make.
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As in the days of Noah...