Federal Executive Branch
Here's a look at documents from the U.S. Executive Branch
Featured Stories
State Dept.: U.S. Welcomes Paraguay's Signing of the Artemis Accords
WASHINGTON, May 8 -- The U.S. State Department issued the following news release on May 7, 2026:
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United States Welcomes Paraguay's Signing of the Artemis Accords
The Department of State congratulates the Republic of Paraguay on joining the Artemis Accords. Paraguay is the 67th country to sign the Accords to date, pledging its commitment to peaceful space activities.
Minister President of the Paraguayan Space Agency Osvaldo Almiron Riveros signed the Accords on behalf of Paraguay on May 7, 2026. U.S. Embassy Asuncion Charge d'Affaires, a.i. Aaron Pratt shared remarks from NASA Administrator
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WASHINGTON, May 8 -- The U.S. State Department issued the following news release on May 7, 2026:
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United States Welcomes Paraguay's Signing of the Artemis Accords
The Department of State congratulates the Republic of Paraguay on joining the Artemis Accords. Paraguay is the 67th country to sign the Accords to date, pledging its commitment to peaceful space activities.
Minister President of the Paraguayan Space Agency Osvaldo Almiron Riveros signed the Accords on behalf of Paraguay on May 7, 2026. U.S. Embassy Asuncion Charge d'Affaires, a.i. Aaron Pratt shared remarks from NASA AdministratorJared Isacman and witnessed and celebrated the signing with Paraguayan Ministry of Foreign Affairs Director General of Multilateral Policy Minister Nimia da Silva at a ceremony in Asuncion. The United States and Paraguay maintain strong science and technology partnerships that drive innovation and development. These collaborations span cybersecurity, digital infrastructure, and research institution exchanges. Paraguay's signing of the Artemis Accords extends our strategic partnership into outer space exploration.
The United States and seven other countries established the Artemis Accords in 2020 to serve as a set of practical principles to guide responsible space exploration. Paraguay joins the United States and 65 other nations in affirming the Accords' principles for sustainable civil space activity. The Department of State and NASA co-lead the United States' outreach and implementation of the Accords.
For more information, including a full list of signatories to the Accords, please visit Artemis Accords (https://www.state.gov/artemis-accords/). For media inquiries, please submit a request (https://iipstate.my.site.com/DOSMediaInquiries/s/).
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Original text here: https://www.state.gov/releases/office-of-the-spokesperson/2026/05/united-states-welcomes-paraguays-signing-of-the-artemis-accords/
State Dept.: Passport Revocations Due to Significant Child Support Debt
WASHINGTON, May 8 -- The U.S. State Department issued the following news release:
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Passport Revocations Due to Significant Child Support Debt
Under President Trump, the Department of State is using commonsense tools to support American families and strengthen compliance with U.S. laws. This includes preventing those who owe substantial amounts of court-ordered child support from neglecting their legal and moral obligations to their children.
U.S. law requires Americans to comply with child support obligations in order to receive a U.S. passport and allows the Department of State to revoke
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WASHINGTON, May 8 -- The U.S. State Department issued the following news release:
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Passport Revocations Due to Significant Child Support Debt
Under President Trump, the Department of State is using commonsense tools to support American families and strengthen compliance with U.S. laws. This includes preventing those who owe substantial amounts of court-ordered child support from neglecting their legal and moral obligations to their children.
U.S. law requires Americans to comply with child support obligations in order to receive a U.S. passport and allows the Department of State to revokethe passport of an individual who owes more than $2,500 in child support. Under the Trump Administration, the Department of State is coordinating with the Department of Health and Human Services on an unprecedented scale to revoke the passports of Americans who have racked up significant outstanding child support debt. This action supports the welfare of American children by exacting real consequences for child support delinquency under existing federal law.
Any American with significant child support debt should arrange payment to the relevant state or states now to prevent passport revocation. Once a passport is revoked, it may no longer be used for travel. Eligibility for a new passport will only be restored after child support debt is paid to the relevant state child support enforcement agency and the individual is no longer delinquent according to HHS records.
The State Department is putting American families first through our passport process.
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Original text here: https://www.state.gov/releases/office-of-the-spokesperson/2026/05/passport-revocations-due-to-significant-child-support-debt/
State Department Issues Public Schedule for May 8, 2026
WASHINGTON, May 8 -- The U.S. Department of State issued the daily public schedule for May 8, 2026:
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SECRETARY MARCO RUBIO
Secretary Rubio is on travel to Italy and the Holy See from May 6-8, 2026.
10:30 a.m. LOCAL Secretary Rubio meets with Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani in Rome, Italy.
(POOLED CAMERA SPRAY AT TOP)
11:30 a.m. LOCAL Secretary Rubio meets with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in Rome, Italy.
(POOLED CAMERA SPRAY AT TOP)
12:30 p.m. LOCAL Secretary Rubio holds a meet and greet with employees and families of U.S. Mission Italy, the U.S. Embassy to the Holy
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WASHINGTON, May 8 -- The U.S. Department of State issued the daily public schedule for May 8, 2026:
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SECRETARY MARCO RUBIO
Secretary Rubio is on travel to Italy and the Holy See from May 6-8, 2026.
10:30 a.m. LOCAL Secretary Rubio meets with Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani in Rome, Italy.
(POOLED CAMERA SPRAY AT TOP)
11:30 a.m. LOCAL Secretary Rubio meets with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni in Rome, Italy.
(POOLED CAMERA SPRAY AT TOP)
12:30 p.m. LOCAL Secretary Rubio holds a meet and greet with employees and families of U.S. Mission Italy, the U.S. Embassy to the HolySee, and the U.S. Mission to the UN Agencies in Rome, Italy.
(CLOSED PRESS COVERAGE)
DEPUTY SECRETARY OF STATE CHRISTOPHER LANDAU
Deputy Secretary Landau is on travel to Costa Rica from May 7-9, 2026.
DEPUTY SECRETARY OF STATE FOR MANAGEMENT AND RESOURCES MICHAEL J. RIGAS
Deputy Secretary Rigas attends meetings and briefings at the Department of State.
UNDER SECRETARY FOR POLITICAL AFFAIRS ALLISON M. HOOKER
Under Secretary Hooker attends meetings and briefings at the Department of State.
UNDER SECRETARY FOR PUBLIC DIPLOMACY SARAH ROGERS
Under Secretary Rogers is on travel to Italy and Serbia from May 6-12, 2026.
SENIOR OFFICIAL FOR FOREIGN ASSISTANCE, HUMANITARIAN AFFAIRS, AND RELIGIOUS FREEDOM JEREMY P. LEWIN
Senior Official Lewin is on travel to SOUTHCOM in Doral, Florida from May 7-8, 2026.
BRIEFING SCHEDULE
No Department Press Briefing.
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Original text here: https://www.state.gov/releases/office-of-the-spokesperson/2026/05/public-schedule-may-8-2026/
President Trump Issues Proclamation on Victory Day for World War II, 2026
WASHINGTON, May 8 -- President Trump issued the following proclamation on May 7, 2026:
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VICTORY DAY FOR WORLD WAR II, 2026
As we celebrate Victory Day for World War II -- we celebrate America's monumental triumph over tyranny and evil in Europe, led by the might of our Armed Forces and those of our Allies. On May 8, 1945, the iron grip of Nazi Germany shattered, and news of victory swept across our great Nation and the world, marking a decisive turning point in the history of freedom.
From the legendary storming of the beaches of Normandy to the frigid, hard-fought defense during the
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WASHINGTON, May 8 -- President Trump issued the following proclamation on May 7, 2026:
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VICTORY DAY FOR WORLD WAR II, 2026
As we celebrate Victory Day for World War II -- we celebrate America's monumental triumph over tyranny and evil in Europe, led by the might of our Armed Forces and those of our Allies. On May 8, 1945, the iron grip of Nazi Germany shattered, and news of victory swept across our great Nation and the world, marking a decisive turning point in the history of freedom.
From the legendary storming of the beaches of Normandy to the frigid, hard-fought defense during theBattle of the Bulge, the courage of countless American soldiers carried the Allied cause across the deserts of North Africa and the forests of western Europe until the forces of the Nazi regime collapsed in ruin. Their sacrifice, together with the unwavering resolve of millions of men and women on the home front, drove tyranny to its knees and paved the way for the Allied powers to secure their resounding victory against Imperial Japan nearly 4 months later.
The fight for liberty came at a staggering cost. More than 250,000 Americans laid down their lives in the fight against the Nazi regime. Their heroic sacrifice reminds us that the sacred freedoms we cherish are forged in sacrifice and must be fiercely defended both at home and abroad. Let us remember them, and the millions of innocent souls who endured horrendous atrocities, and lost their lives, at the hands of national socialism.
As we celebrate 250 years of American independence, we carry their legacy forward by ensuring our Armed Forces remain the most dominant in the world, ready to safeguard our sovereignty, to confront any threat, and preserve the flame of liberty they fought so valiantly to defend.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim May 8, 2026, as a day in celebration of Victory Day for World War II.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this seventh day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-six, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fiftieth.
DONALD J. TRUMP
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Original text here: https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2026/05/victory-day-for-world-war-ii-2026/
President Trump Issues Proclamation on Military Spouse Day, 2026
WASHINGTON, May 8 -- President Trump issued the following proclamation on May 7, 2026:
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MILITARY SPOUSE DAY, 2026
As we celebrate 250 glorious years of American freedom, we are reminded that this tremendous milestone is only possible thanks to our Armed Forces who, since the dawn of our Republic, pledged to defend our freedom no matter the cost. Generation after generation, the gravity of this sacred commitment has been shared by their selfless spouses. On Military Spouse Day, we honor the incredible women and men who serve this Nation.
Military spouses are vital to our national defense.
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WASHINGTON, May 8 -- President Trump issued the following proclamation on May 7, 2026:
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MILITARY SPOUSE DAY, 2026
As we celebrate 250 glorious years of American freedom, we are reminded that this tremendous milestone is only possible thanks to our Armed Forces who, since the dawn of our Republic, pledged to defend our freedom no matter the cost. Generation after generation, the gravity of this sacred commitment has been shared by their selfless spouses. On Military Spouse Day, we honor the incredible women and men who serve this Nation.
Military spouses are vital to our national defense.Their unwavering support of the home front enables our service members to protect our homeland and defend our liberty. Every day, they balance the unique demands and disruption of a life of service with an uncommon resilience forged by frequent moves, lengthy deployments, and family separation. In spite of the challenges, military spouses persevere not simply because they love their spouses but because they believe in the promise of America.
When duty calls, our military never fails to answer -- and we must never fail to support and equip those who stand faithfully beside our warfighters. During my first term, we fulfilled our pledge to improve employment policies for military spouses through expanded opportunities within the Federal Government, enhanced remote and flexible job options, and increased licensure portability. We made great progress, but more work is needed in employment, quality housing, affordable childcare, accessible healthcare, and education. As President, I remain committed to ensuring that our Armed Forces remain the strongest fighting force on Earth -- and that our military spouses and families receive the support, care, and opportunities they deserve.
The spouses of our service members share with their loved ones a noble but demanding calling. In times of peace and in the crucible of conflict, they rise to meet every challenge and bear the pressures and sacrifices with relentless grace and fortitude. Today, the First Lady and I join a grateful Nation in saluting these patriots and heroes. May God bless our Armed Forces, our military spouses, and their families.
NOW, THEREFORE, I, DONALD J. TRUMP, President of the United States of America, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and the laws of the United States, do hereby proclaim May 8, 2026, as Military Spouse Day.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this seventh day of May, in the year of our Lord two thousand twenty-six, and of the Independence of the United States of America the two hundred and fiftieth.
DONALD J. TRUMP
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Original text here: https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2026/05/military-spouse-day-2026/
Amtrak and Away Partner for a More Premium Travel Experience
WASHINGTON, May 7 -- Amtrak (National Railroad Passenger Corp.) issued the following news:
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Amtrak and Away Partner for a More Premium Travel Experience
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The new brand partnership is designed to deliver an increasingly seamless and elevated travel experience - with exclusive access to promotions, products, and more
WASHINGTON - Amtrak and Away, two pioneering brands in travel, have teamed up in advance of the summer season to become each other's official luggage and train travel partners. Amtrak continues to report more riders and revenue than ever before and boasts over 34.5 million
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WASHINGTON, May 7 -- Amtrak (National Railroad Passenger Corp.) issued the following news:
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Amtrak and Away Partner for a More Premium Travel Experience
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The new brand partnership is designed to deliver an increasingly seamless and elevated travel experience - with exclusive access to promotions, products, and more
WASHINGTON - Amtrak and Away, two pioneering brands in travel, have teamed up in advance of the summer season to become each other's official luggage and train travel partners. Amtrak continues to report more riders and revenue than ever before and boasts over 34.5 millioncustomer trips-signaling the continued rise in train travel. The new long-term partnership combines Away's innovative, durable, award-winning luggage with Amtrak's expansive train travel experiences, both designed to make discovery and movement feel frictionless. This collaboration introduces a pipeline of more relevant product innovations, beginning with the Topside Collection, featuring a built-in brake and a top-lid opening designed for the realities of train travel. As an exclusive offer to kick off the partnership, Amtrak customers will receive early access to shop the new collection - marking the start of future product exploration, in-station moments, and disruptive media to come.
"This collaboration brings together two experienced leaders in modern travel, one that moves people forward and one that equips them for the journey ahead," said Amtrak Executive Vice President and Chief Commercial Officer Eliot Hamlisch. "We believe the future of travel is not just about getting there, it's about the experience you have along the way. Together with Away, we aim to redefine what travel looks and feels like on the rails, in our stations, and every mile in between."
"At Away, we're focused on creating travel solutions that meet the real needs of all types of travelers and the ways they move through the world," said Jessica Schinazi, Chief Executive Officer of Away. "With the introduction of Topside, we're beginning to roll out features and innovations designed specifically for the real-world experience of rail travel. Our partnership with Amtrak marks an exciting step in bringing more thoughtful, purpose-built solutions to new audiences and travel moments."
This first of its kind brand partnership embraces Amtrak's modern era of rail, which produced all-time company records in ridership (34.5 million) and revenue ($3.9 billion) last year, and combines it with Away's commitment to travel innovation. As Amtrak's official luggage partner, Away offers smart, right-sized luggage bringing style and ease to the rails -notably its new Topside Collection, which was made for train travel. As Away's official train travel partner, Amtrak provides a rail travel experience for Away customers that's designed for comfort and connection, making it a great alternative to driving or flying.
Away's Topside launches on May 12, introducing new innovations for the brand, including a top lid opening for easy access, a patent-pending wheel brake system, and thoughtful compartmentalization designed for more organized, small-space packing. As Topside suitcases are perfectly suited for train travel, Amtrak customers will receive exclusive access to the Topside Collection via e-mail after booking a First Class Acela trip. Plus, Amtrak's generous baggage policy lets guests bring one personal item, two carry-ons, and two checked bags for free on most routes. As recognized leaders in the travel industry, the Amtrak x Away partnership delivers a more seamless journey - introducing customers to another accessible way of travel as they explore more options beyond flying.
From Tuesday, May 12 to Tuesday, June 23, as an exclusive limited time offer to celebrate the partnership, Acela First Class guests can unlock 15% off their first Away purchase, and Away customers receive 10% off their first Amtrak trip between Tuesday, May 20 and Tuesday, June 23. Both customers will receive an individual promo code or links via email. Terms and conditions apply for both promotions. These savings are available on the following routes: Acela, Northeast Regional, Amtrak Virginia, Downeaster, Lincoln Service, Illini/Saluki, Illinois Zephyr/Carl Sandburg, California Zephyr, Empire Builder, Southwest Chief, Sunset Limited, Coast Starlight, Texas Eagle, City of New Orleans, Crescent, Cardinal, Lake Shore Limited, Floridian, Palmetto, Silver Meteor, and Capitol Limited.
For route specific details, visit Amtrak.com/Train-Routes
This partnership is launching at an exciting time for Amtrak, as the company leads a new era of passenger rail, investing in modern trains, enhanced stations, new tunnels and bridges, and other critical infrastructure upgrades. This also includes enhancing the customer experience across the country, improving safety and reliability, driving economic development, reducing trip times, expanding capacity, and advancing accessibility.
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Original text here: https://media.amtrak.com/2026/05/amtrak-and-away-partner-for-a-more-premium-travel-experience/
Airline Service Quality Performance Data - February 2026
WASHINGTON, May 7 -- The U.S. Department of Transportation Bureau of Transportation Statistics issued the following news:
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Airline Service Quality Performance Data - February 2026
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BTS 26-41
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) today released its Airline Service Quality Performance data compiled for the month of February 2026 for on-time performance, mishandled baggage, mishandled wheelchairs, and scooters.
For additional information and interactive charts on transportation's role in aviation, please visit BTS' Aviation Facts and Figures. BTS regularly updates TranStats, with
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WASHINGTON, May 7 -- The U.S. Department of Transportation Bureau of Transportation Statistics issued the following news:
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Airline Service Quality Performance Data - February 2026
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BTS 26-41
The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) today released its Airline Service Quality Performance data compiled for the month of February 2026 for on-time performance, mishandled baggage, mishandled wheelchairs, and scooters.
For additional information and interactive charts on transportation's role in aviation, please visit BTS' Aviation Facts and Figures. BTS regularly updates TranStats, withboth Marketing Carrier On-Time Performance (Beginning January 2018) and the Reporting Carrier On-Time Performance (1987-present).
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Original text here: https://www.bts.gov/newsroom/airline-service-quality-performance-data-february-2026
April Storms Delay Snowmelt, but Fail to Recover Snowpack Deficits
WASHINGTON, May 7 -- The U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service issued the following news:
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April Storms Delay Snowmelt, but Fail to Recover Snowpack Deficits
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Photo caption: Each month, snow surveyors ascend from the valleys to manually measure snowpack at over 100 snow courses across Montana's watersheds. The data from these snow courses supplements the data from SNOTEL sites to help produce the monthly water supply forecasts. In the pictures, surveyors navigate the tricky access to Mudd Lake Snow Course in the Anaconda-Pintler Range and experience conditions
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WASHINGTON, May 7 -- The U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resources Conservation Service issued the following news:
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April Storms Delay Snowmelt, but Fail to Recover Snowpack Deficits
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Photo caption: Each month, snow surveyors ascend from the valleys to manually measure snowpack at over 100 snow courses across Montana's watersheds. The data from these snow courses supplements the data from SNOTEL sites to help produce the monthly water supply forecasts. In the pictures, surveyors navigate the tricky access to Mudd Lake Snow Course in the Anaconda-Pintler Range and experience conditionsthat defined the winter of 2026. Dirt up to 7,000 feet in the Big Hole Valley meant carrying skis for the first portion of the survey. At 7,360 feet, the snow course measured 44" of snow and 15.9" of snow water equivalent, or 82% of median for its 39 years of observations. December, January, February and March brought higher than normal temperatures resulting in a stubbornly high snow line. Photos: L - Joe Kral, NRCS hydrologist. R - Javier Colton, NRCS hydrologist. April 28, 2026
While snowpack conditions across much of the western United States remains uniformly poor, the snowpack across Montana watersheds paints a more nuanced picture.
Warm temperatures and variable precipitation defined the winter of 2026. As a result, the snowpack conditions varied greatly across aspect and elevation. April brought near normal monthly average temperatures to Montana for the first time this snowpack accumulation season along with near to above normal precipitation across the state. While April storms stalled snowmelt they fell short of meaningfully improving snowpack conditions. As of May 1, snowpack statewide ranged from 40% to 100% of median. In such a spatially variable year, looking at smaller watersheds as opposed to major basins provides a more accurate picture. Regions that benefitted the most from spring storms such as the Missoula area, Flint Creek, Swan Valley, and Blackfoot have near normal snowpack. Higher elevations in the Beartooths report near normal snowpack as well. The rest of the state has well below normal snowpack at 40% to 85% of normal. The Bighorn, Powder and Tongue basins have 25% to 60% of normal snowpack, with the Powder and Tongue basins recording their lowest years on record.
"When assessing the volume of water stored in the snowpack, peak snowpack is a good indicator of how full the snowpack reservoir was filled this year," explains Florence Miller, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service Hydrologist. "Peak snowpack is the highest snow water equivalent (SWE) measured at a given site during the winter. In Montana, SNOTEL snow monitoring sites typically peak between 5 and 45 inches of SWE, depending on region and elevation. This year, most sites recorded substantial peak snowpack deficits ranging from 1 to 14 inches below normal. Thirty-one SNOTELs measured their lowest peak snowpack values on record. A few higher elevation sites were the exception, showing surpluses of 3 to 10 inches of SWE."
In addition to causing significant spatial variability in snowpack distribution, the warm winter also led to accelerated snowmelt. Most SNOTELs reached peak snowpack accumulation, and transitioned into snowmelt, several weeks earlier than usual. Thirty-two SNOTELs recorded their earliest melt out date on record. This premature snowmelt triggered early runoff, and many watersheds across the state observed well above normal March and April streamflows.
Drought conditions follow this spatial and temporal variability. Water-year-to-date precipitation totals remain near to above normal, largely carried by the December atmospheric rivers. As a result, soil moisture looks promising across much of northwestern Montana and parts of central and eastern Montana. However, well below normal soil moisture is intensifying in the southwest corner of the state. As a result, 87% of the state is in drought conditions, with drought conditions improving in northwest Montana while extreme drought conditions persist along the Rocky Mountain Front and in southwest Montana.
May 1 NRCS Water Supply Forecasts predict below normal streamflow statewide, though with substantial regional contrasts. At the 50% exceedance probability, higher elevation watersheds in the Absaroka-Beartooths predict close to normal streamflows. Regions favored by spring storms including tributaries of the Upper Clark Fork, Blackfoot, Bitterroot, and drainages of the Swan and Mission Mountain are forecast to see near normal flows. The Flathead River forks predict streamflow of around 80% of normal. East of the divide, most forecast points fall between 70% to 90% of normal. Regions experiencing more severe drought conditions such as the Beaverhead and the Three Forks of the Missouri are projected to have 60 to 75% of median streamflow. Watersheds with large lower elevation plains influence such as the Musselshell, Shields, Tongue, Powder, and Bighorn forecast less than 65% of normal streamflow.
"When looking at streamflow forecasts, it is important to take into account the full forecast suite, not just the 50% exceedance probability forecast," said Miller.
Generally, the 50% exceedance volume is reflective of what streamflow volumes could be under typical spring and summer conditions. The 30% or 10% exceedance forecasts reflect potential streamflow volumes given wetter than normal future weather conditions and the 70% and 90% exceedance forecasts represent expected volumes with drier future weather.
"Spring precipitation and cooler temperatures to slow snowmelt could help improve these forecasts, though in most regions, full recovery to normal streamflows is unlikely. Current predictions of warm temperatures and below normal precipitation could result in more severe streamflow deficits, with rivers reaching well below normal volumes. Additionally, with snowmelt occurring earlier than normal, runoff volumes are likely to be shifted earlier in the season," continues Miller.
More Information
A full report of conditions on May 1 can be found in the monthly Water Supply Outlook Report available on the Montana Snow Survey website. In addition, real-time snow survey data can be found at nrcs.usda.gov/montana/snow-survey.
For 90 years, NRCS has helped farmers, ranchers and forestland owners make investments in their operations and local communities to improve the quality of our air, water, soil, and wildlife habitat. NRCS uses the latest science and technology to help keep working lands working, boost agricultural economies, and increase the competitiveness of American agriculture. NRCS provides one-on-one, personalized advice and financial assistance and works with producers to help them reach their goals through voluntary, incentive-based conservation programs. For more information, visit nrcs.usda.gov.
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Original text here: https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/state-offices/montana/news/april-storms-delay-snowmelt-but-fail-to-recover-snowpack-deficits
