Extreme drought confirmed for first time in two years

A portion of Crook County has descended into extreme drought for the first time in more than two years.

According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, the southwest corner of the county is part of a patch of extreme drought that covers half of Campbell and the majority of Weston counties.

Just under 10% of Crook County is now listed as in extreme drought, with 61% in severe drought and just under 30%, to the southeast, in moderate drought.

Through August, Crook County had received 1.74 fewer inches of precipitation than an average year. Streamflows are currently reported as below normal on both the Be...