December brought no relief to Wyoming’s drought conditions. Precipitation for December was scarce, with monthly precipitation totals less than 3 inches for most of the State. Temperatures for the month of December were 2 to 6 degrees above average.

According to the United States Drought Monitor for December 30, 2021, the amount of land rated as abnormally dry was 3.3 percent, compared to 7.2 percent on November 25. Moderate drought was present across 35.4 percent of the State, an increase from 28.5 percent on November 25. Severe drought covered 47.1 percent of the State, compared to 53.1 percent on November 25. Extreme drought conditions covered 14.2 percent of the State, an increase of 3 percentage points from 11.2 percent on November 25.

Reporters in Big Horn County indicated persisting drought conditions, with little moisture. Comments in Lincoln County, however, indicated significant snowfall during December and snowpack is measuring above average in most areas.

Topsoil moisture levels were reported as 72 percent short to very short, compared with 57 percent on November 28.

Hay and roughage supplies for Wyoming were rated 36 percent very short, 34 percent short, and 30 percent adequate, compared to 15 percent very short, 47 percent short, and 38 percent adequate on November 28.

Stock water supplies across Wyoming were rated 35 percent very short, 21 percent short, and 44 percent adequate, compared to 17 percent very short, 40 percent short, and 43 percent adequate on November 28.