County under severe drought conditions

Despite the recent influx of snow, drought conditions have been worsening across Crook County over the last month. The U.S. Drought Monitor has now placed the entire county under severe drought conditions.

At the D2 level of the classification system, pasture conditions will be poor, overgrazing will be reported, hay is more scarce and dust increases. Trees and vegetation also become stressed, with well levels declining.

One month ago, according to the National Integrated Drought Information System (NIDIS), the eastern side of the county was at level D0, abnormally dry, while the remaining two...