Idaho

OUR GEM: Drought and snowpack update for the Idaho Panhandle

Published

1 year ago

January 26, 2025

OUR GEM: Drought and snowpack update for the Idaho Panhandle

After a dry and mild fall, many were looking forward to an increase of moisture across North Idaho to lessen the drought impacts that have persisted for the last two years. Since last fall, the National Weather Service’s Climate Prediction Center has been advertising wetter-than-normal conditions for the winter season across the Inland NW with the arrival of La Niña.

The rounds of precipitation picked up in November and continued off and on through December and into early January. This precipitation has been beneficial and not excessive for this time of the year. With low soil moisture, much of the precipitation soaked into the thirsty ground and gave way to less runoff with only slight rises on area rivers and creeks. The snowpack got off to an early start at the higher elevations and soared above normal by late November which was a boon for area ski resorts during the holiday season. As temperatures remained mild, the higher elevations reaped the benefits of the snow, while lower elevations experienced more cold rain with sloppy snow that melted quickly.

As of mid-January, the National Resources Conservation Service mountain snow water equivalent across the Idaho Panhandle ranged from 95% to 118% of normal, and these sites were primarily above 4,500 feet. Water year precipitation, which began Oct. 1, was roughly 80% to 90% of normal for the Panhandle mountains, while the lower elevations from Sandpoint to Coeur d’Alene and Moscow to Lewiston were already above normal for the water year precipitation. With the influx of precipitation, drought conditions have seen a gradual improvement since the start of the water year with Abnormally Dry to Moderate Drought remaining across the Idaho Panhandle in the U.S. Drought Monitor.

Now it appears we’ve moved into a January lull as the storm track shifted from the region and leaving dry and cold weather, although no need to sound the alarms yet. There are still several weeks of winter left and the long-range forecasts and outlooks lean toward more active, wet weather by early February accompanied by colder temperatures. This trend is favored to continue into March and should bode well for the return to snow for northern Idaho, especially the mountains. The median peak snowpack for the Idaho Panhandle is typically around April 1 before the runoff season kicks into gear.

As for the spring runoff season, the Long Range Flood Outlook appears to mirror close to climatology. There is an elevated risk of higher flows on the mainstem rivers across the central Idaho Panhandle, including the Coeur d’Alene at Cataldo and the Palouse at Potlatch. This is dependent on how fast the snow melts and how wet the weather turns this spring. It’s slightly early yet the Northwest River Forecast Center’s Water Supply forecast is leaning toward below-normal values across the Idaho Panhandle, ranging from 70% to 90% of normal for the April to September 2025 period.

A La Niña Advisory is in effect, and this La Niña is anticipated to be short-lived and weak with conditions transitioning to ENSO-neutral during March-May 2025 (60% chance). The CPC Seasonal Outlook for March into May continues to lean toward wetter and cooler than normal conditions for northern Idaho as drought removal looks likely. Stay up to date on the latest weather forecasts and updates on the local NWS Spokane webpage at www.weather.gov/spokane.

• • •

Robin Fox is a Service Hydrologist for the National Weather Service — Spokane.

The Our Gem Coeur d’Alene Lake Collaborative is a team of committed and passionate professionals working to preserve lake health and protect water quality by promoting community awareness of local water resources through education, outreach, and stewardship. Our Gem includes local experts from the University of Idaho — Idaho Water Resources Research Institute, Coeur d’Alene Tribe, Idaho Department of Environmental Quality, the Basin Environmental Improvement Project Commission, Kootenai Environmental Alliance.

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Idaho

Idaho lawmakers consider removing Women’s Commission from state law

Published

12 hours ago

February 17, 2026

Press Room

Idaho lawmakers consider removing Women’s Commission from state law

A long-dormant section of Idaho law is drawing renewed attention at the Statehouse.

Lawmakers are considering Senate Bill 1236, which would remove the Idaho Women’s Commission from state code. Supporters say the commission has not been funded or active for 17 years and that eliminating it is simply a matter of cleaning up obsolete law. Opponents argue removing it sends a broader message and eliminates the option to revive it in the future.

WATCH | Lawmakers debate a bill that would remove the Idaho Women’s Commission from state law—

Idaho lawmakers consider removing Women’s Commission from state law

Dr. Mary Mosley, president of the American Association of University Women of Idaho, testified against the bill and says the debate is about more than code.

“First time I went to get a credit card, they said, oh, we always put it in the husband’s name,” Mosley said.

Mosley recalled that experience as an example of how recently women lacked basic financial independence.

“In 1975, I got my first credit card of my own… and that felt pretty good,” she said.

Mosley says Senate Bill 1236 would abolish the Idaho Women’s Commission, which was created in the 1960s to study the status of women and encourage participation in public policy.

“It was a bill to abolish the Women’s Commission… and we’re saying it sends a bad message to the women of Idaho,” Mosley said.

Supporters of the bill say the commission has not existed in practice for nearly two decades.

“This just deals with getting rid of old obsolete code,” said Sen. Brian Lenney, the bill’s sponsor.

Mosley argues keeping the commission in law costs the state nothing and preserves the possibility of reactivating it.

“It’s not costing the state a thing to leave it alone. Could at some point reactivate it,” she said.

She also pointed to issues she believes still warrant study, including incarceration.

“We are the highest number of incarcerated women per capita in the nation… and that should be studied,” Mosley said.

Others echoed that concern during public testimony.

“I believe there is a need and actually a desire on the part of several groups representing Idaho women to reestablish a women’s commission in Idaho, and I don’t want to lose this opportunity,” said Kathy Dawes, who testified in opposition to the bill.

Backers of the legislation pushed back, arguing women do not need a state commission to succeed.

“I am not convinced that any one of these beautiful, strong women in my life need a government-established commission in order to live successful, empowered lives,” said Sen. Glenneda Shippey.

Mosley says her concern is about awareness of how policy decisions affect everyday life.

“If you think what the legislature does doesn’t affect your personal life, you’re wrong,” she said.

The bill is scheduled for a third reading on Tuesday, Feb. 17. If it passes, the Idaho Women’s Commission would be removed from state law.

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Idaho

Idaho Lottery results: See winning numbers for Pick 3, Pick 4 on Feb. 15, 2026

Published

1 day ago

February 16, 2026

Press Room

The results are in for the Idaho Lottery’s draw games on Sunday, Feb. 15, 2026.

Here’s a look at winning numbers for each game on Feb. 15.

Winning Pick 3 numbers from Feb. 15 drawing

Day: 8-5-8

Night: 7-3-1

Check Pick 3 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Pick 4 numbers from Feb. 15 drawing

Day: 9-7-1-9

Night: 2-2-8-3

Check Pick 4 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Lucky For Life numbers from Feb. 15 drawing

18-25-30-33-35, Lucky Ball: 06

Check Lucky For Life payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Idaho Cash numbers from Feb. 15 drawing

05-13-31-32-44

Check Idaho Cash payouts and previous drawings here.

Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

When are the Idaho Lottery drawings held ?

Powerball: 8:59 p.m. MT Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
Mega Millions: 9 p.m. MT on Tuesday and Friday.
Pick 3: 1:59 p.m. (Day) and 7:59 p.m. (Night) MT daily.
Pick 4: 1:59 p.m. (Day) and 7:59 p.m. (Night) MT daily.
Lucky For Life: 8:35 p.m. MT Monday and Thursday.
Lotto America: 9 p.m. MT on Monday, Wednesday and Saturday.
5 Star Draw: 8 p.m. MT on Tuesday and Friday.
Idaho Cash: 8 p.m. MT daily.

Winning lottery numbers are sponsored by Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network.

Where can you buy lottery tickets?

Tickets can be purchased in person at gas stations, convenience stores and grocery stores. Some airport terminals may also sell lottery tickets.

You can also order tickets online through Jackpocket, the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network, in these U.S. states and territories: Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Idaho, Maine, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Puerto Rico, Washington D.C., and West Virginia. The Jackpocket app allows you to pick your lottery game and numbers, place your order, see your ticket and collect your winnings all using your phone or home computer.

Jackpocket is the official digital lottery courier of the USA TODAY Network. Gannett may earn revenue for audience referrals to Jackpocket services. GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER, Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). 18+ (19+ in NE, 21+ in AZ). Physically present where Jackpocket operates. Jackpocket is not affiliated with any State Lottery. Eligibility Restrictions apply. Void where prohibited. Terms: jackpocket.com/tos.

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a USA Today editor. You can send feedback using this form.

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Idaho

Pocatello community invited to celebrate 125 years of Idaho State University – The Bengal

Published

2 days ago

February 15, 2026

Press Room

Pocatello community invited to celebrate 125 years of Idaho State University – The Bengal

Various signs are posted throughout campus in honor of Idaho State University’s 125th anniversary this year. PHOTO CREDIT: Kaili Tucker/Photo Editor.

By Austen Hunzeker

News Editor

Idaho State University is turning 125 years old on March 11, and students, faculty and the Pocatello community at large are invited to celebrate the milestone all year long.

“Like a grand oak, Idaho State University was planted with purpose, and over generations its roots have stretched wide and deep, strengthening our foundation and sustaining our growth,” said ISU President Robert Wagner in a university statement. “In 2026, we proudly honor those who established and nurtured this institution, while continuing the heritage and adding to the growth that will support future generations for the next century and beyond.”

Year-long festivities are to occur, including Bengal Giving Day March 10-11, a day of service on March 11 and a Bengal Street Party slated for a date yet to be determined in September. More events and details will be shared with the public as they’re revealed by the university.

Additionally, a traveling history display highlighting various impactful moments and people to the institution will be accessible at multiple locations throughout 2026.

An online memory board was also launched in January for students, staff, alumni and community members to post their favorite memories from ISU. Over 40 memories have been posted so far and can be accessed at https://isu.kudoboard.com/boards/KnjNykxw#view.

“In May 2020 the commencement ceremony was canceled due to COVID,” Patty Tryon posted on the memory board. “Although our children were not able to cross that stage to get their diplomas, my husband, Tom, and I were bursting with pride as all three of our children, Chad, Brooke and Mariya, graduated from ISU with doctorate, master and bachelor degrees. Tom and I are also ISU alumni. ISU has provided a great experience and education for my family. We are proud to be ISU Bengals”

Mustafa Mashal, civil engineering professor at ISU, posted that he was proud to serve as the advising structural engineer for the student-led redesign and construction of the 71-foot Red Hill “I” that was installed in 2019.

“The project exemplified hands-on learning, collaboration and service to the university and community,” he said. “Seeing students translate classroom knowledge into a lasting campus landmark was especially rewarding.”

Governor Frank W. Hunt signed Senate Bill 53 into law on March 11, 1901, creating the Academy of Idaho — known today as Idaho State University. Former Pocatello mayor and Idaho state senator Theodore F. Turner drafted the bill and is now considered the “father” of ISU.

“From 1901 to today, education and impact have been what drives us,” Wagner said. “We may have started small, but as we celebrate 125 years, one thing is clear: Idaho State University is on a bold path forward.”

For more information on ISU’s 125th anniversary, visit https://www.isu.edu/125years/.

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