Rain, Hail Hit Eastern Idaho

Rains of up to 1.5 inches and hail which stacked up to two inches deep in some areas of eatern Idaho, gave further indication that the drought growers are facing may be coming to an end.

While forecasts are not given for such conclusions, irrigators know how much a good rain event can mean in their efforts to stretch water supplies.

Bonneville County, ID, seemed to be hit the hardest during the nearly day-long storm. Other areas north of Idaho Falls received limited amounts as did areas south of Bonneville County.

The runoff from the storm was a bonus to the Snake River and irrigators downstream who have made water calls which are threatening eastern Idaho pumpers.

Most late potato planting was completed last week.The moisture will be welcomed by growers planting in dry soil and hurrying to get sprinkler systems running.

The potato crop in southern Idaho is advancing nicely according to reports, with vines up to five and six inches in height. Some of the eastern Idaho crop is just coming through the ground in the Pocatello area.