Gallatin River Task Force launches interactive Drought Dashboard 

Big Sky currently in ‘severe drought’ ahead of spring runoff; Dashboard provides watershed status, education and community resources 

EBS STAFF 

The nonprofit Gallatin River Task Force recently unveiled a new interactive tool that builds awareness around drought status, prevention and mitigation in the Gallatin River basin. 

The Drought Dashboard is intended for use by the public. It includes color-coded graphics, drought measurement gauges, and related information about the impacts of drought and ways the community can combat it. The new tool was supported by community partners including the Big Sky County Water and Sewer District, Big Sky Resort Area District, Moonlight Community Foundation, Spanish Peaks Community Foundation and Yellowstone Club Community Foundation, according to a March 27 press release from GRTF. 

Jess Olson, GRTF conservation manager, stated in the release that the new tool was a recommended project in the Big Sky Water Conservation and Drought Management Plan.  

“We are currently in ‘Severe Drought’ and predictions from the Montana Department of Natural Resources and Conservation indicate that drought conditions will persist through the summer,” Olson stated. “The dashboard is a way for the community to stay informed, take action and help Big Sky thrive through varying stages of drought.” 

The Drought Dashboard is intended to raise awareness about how to prevent drought in the future, including the importance of water conservation and other measures to protect the community even when high levels of drought are not in play.   

“With the propensity for drought increasing as a result of drier, warmer seasons and lower overall snowpack, the Drought Dashboard’s access to details of both drought levels and drought responses are key to keeping the Big Sky and surrounding communities informed and up-to-date on how to mitigate impacts associated with drought,” the release stated.  

The Dashboard includes information about water intensive activities such as wildfire protection, drinking water supply, agriculture production, landscape irrigation, recreation and wildlife preservation, as listed on the website. The page also shows how daily water use can impact a healthy and resilient watershed, with specific information focused on fishing, wildfire danger—the Dashboard links to the Fire Adapted Big Sky Wildfire Hub, a similar online tool—and irrigation restrictions.   

Jenny Muscat, BSRAD deputy director, emphasized the value of Big Sky’s water resources, and that BSRAD is proud to partner with GRTF to support the new tool.  

“In building the Drought Dashboard, the Task Force has created a tool that will help Big Sky build resilience around our water resources, and will aid in mitigating future growth and drought, a key initiative outlined in the Our Big Sky Community Vision and Strategy developed by community members with a shared view for the future of our community,” Muscat stated.   

The dashboard includes a “Real-Time Drought Watch” tool with instructions to help new users navigate and interpret the interactive map.