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Returning drought conditions concerningWyoming Warm temperatures and below normal precipitation across most of the state during the month of January 2013, according to the National Agricultural Statistics Service, Wyoming Field Office. High temperatures during January ranged from 62 degrees in Torrington to 36 degrees at Lake Yellowstone. Low temperatures ranged from 31 degrees below zero in Big Piney and Jeffrey City to 1 degree in Sheridan. Snotel snowpack is reported by NRCS at 76 percent, compared to 112 percent this time last year. Lincoln County reported continued bitter cold temperatures with the snow pack beginning to drop. There is concern about returning to a drought situation similar to last year. Uinta County is reporting hay being shipped into the county due to shortages, with no significant precipitation or snow accumulation in several weeks. Albany County reported cold temperatures during the first half of January and unseasonably warm temperatures the second half. There is concern about the lack of snow pack affecting summer irrigation water supplies. The mild winter has helped manage hay supplies. Converse County reported dry, warm conditions with irrigation water storage for spring irrigation at 0. Topsoil moisture was reported at 55 percent short to very short, 41 percent adequate, 4 percent surplus an improvement from last month. Subsoil moisture 81 percent short to very short, 19 percent adequate. Average depth of snow cover was 2.20 inches. Winter wheat condition declined slightly to 31 percent poor to very poor, 43 percent fair, 26 percent good. Wind damage to winter wheat was reported at 48 percent light, and 2 percent moderate; freeze damage reported at 9 percent light, 2 percent moderate. Spring calving is just beginning and was reported at 1 percent. Calf losses are reported at 70 percent light and 30 percent normal. Cattle condition was reported at 3 percent poor, 35 percent fair and 62 percent good to excellent. Farm flock ewes lambed was reported at 4 percent, farm flock sheep shorn was reported at 6 percent. Lamb losses were reported at 71 percent light, 29 percent normal. Sheep condition was reported at 7 percent poor to very poor, 34 percent fair, 59 percent good. Stock water supplies were reported at 40 percent short to very short and 60 percent adequate an improvement from December. Hay and roughage supplies were reported at 34 percent short to very short and 66 percent adequate, slightly less than last month. Date: 2/18/2013
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