Drought is a hazard that defies a universal definition.
Typically, drought is a shortage of water associated with a
deficiency of precipitation. However, water shortages can also
be induced by humans. Perhaps it is easier to think of drought
as being a function of supply versus demand. Drought occurs when
a normal amount of moisture is not available to satisfy an
area’s usual water-consuming activities. Drought is a frequent
visitor to our semiarid state. The most significant impacts
which typically confront the state are related to such water
intensive activities as: agriculture, wildfire protection,
municipal usage, commerce, tourism, recreation, and wildlife
preservation. A reduction of electric power generation and water
quality deterioration are also potential problems. Idaho’s arid
climate predisposes it to periodic drought. Some areas of the
State, however, have a greater potential for drought than
others. The Idaho Department of Water Resources reports that
based on analysis of historic stream flow re