Water managers are keeping a close eye on northern Montana’s water supplies as we head into autumn. According to the Bureau of Reclamation’s September report, local reservoirs are showing a wide mix of conditions.
Right now, Nelson Reservoir sits in the best shape at ninety-seven percent of its usual average. Lake Sherburne is close behind at ninety-one percent, but Fresno Reservoir has dipped down to seventy-three percent of its long-term average.
Looking ahead through the month, Fresno is actually projected to see a boost, with inflows forecasted at nearly one hundred and forty-six percent of normal. However, dry conditions persist elsewhere, with Nelson Reservoir expected to see just over a third of its typical September inflows. Officials note that drought conditions across both the St. Mary and Milk River basins currently range from abnormally dry to moderate.
