My Concern is Strictly Personal

I’m losing hope.

Until about a week ago I remained optimistic that Fort Peck Lake would rise. There was even a span of six days early this month when it did come up a tiny bit. Then it fell again, and although it was only a miniscule drop -- .01 of an inch -- it quit rising for a few days.

Since the first of March, the lake level has varied little more than a foot.

While news reports documented extremely low water levels upstream at Canyon Ferry Reservoir this spring, late snows and heavy rains filled it to nearly full pool by July.

The Yellowstone River experienced historic flooding last...