The Drought Working Group will produce a statewide assessment of the 2026 drought, Idaho’s first statewide drought emergency since 2001. The assessment will include the causes of drought, effects on water users, and gaps in Idaho’s monitoring systems. Researchers will also build a lasting collection of historical drought data. Their shared findings will be published in one statewide white paper and as publicly accessible, practical information for agencies, water users, and legislators ahead of the spring 2027 water-supply outlook.