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U.S. Department of Agriculture
Natural Resources Conservation Service
9173 W. Barnes Dr., Suite B
Boise, Idaho 83709

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Ron Abramovich (208) 378-5741
 

Idaho Snowpacks Reaching Record Lows


Boise, ID, March 8, 2005—Water users in northern and central Idaho are facing record low snowpacks, according to the Idaho Water Supply Outlook Report issued this week by the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).

Many snowpacks in northern Idaho are measuring less than 50 percent of average while snowpacks in central Idaho range from 50-65 percent. Southern and eastern Idaho range from 70-85 percent.  

“Due to well below average February precipitation, Idaho’s water supply outlook has deteriorated even more,” says Ron Abramovich, NRCS water supply specialist. “Barring a record snowfall in March or an unusually wet spring, drought conditions will continue in Idaho.”

With only one more month left of winter, snowpacks range from 48 percent of average in northern Idaho to average in the Bear River Basin. Most snowpacks across Idaho hold only 50-75 percent of the snow water equivalent they contained at this time last year.

February represents the fourth straight month of below average precipitation for most of Idaho. The Panhandle, Clearwater, Salmon, Weiser, Payette, Boise, Wood and Lost River basins all received 20-26 percent of average precipitation in February. Water year to date precipitation amounts range from a low of 54 percent in the Weiser, Payette and Boise basins to 105 percent in the Bear River Basin.

Streamflow forecasts decreased another 15 percent last month and now range from 35-65 percent of average for most of the state. Due to deteriorating conditions, NRCS will update statewide streamflow forecasts again in mid-March and the information will be available on the Idaho NRCS website.

Here is a look at the Water Supply Outlook by region:
 
  • Panhandle—February precipitation was only 22 percent of average. Snowpacks range from a high of 67 percent for the Moyie Basin to 17 percent for the Rathdrum Basin. Many snow measuring stations are at or near record low amounts.
  • Clearwater River—Snowpack is at 46 percent of average, less than half of last year at this time. This year marks the first time in 49 years that the Moscow Mountain snow course did not have snow on March 1. February precipitation was only a quarter of average and water year to date is only 63 percent.
  • Salmon River— February precipitation was only 26 percent of average and water year to date is only 63 percent, two-thirds of last year. Overall, snowpack is 56 percent, similar to 2001 levels, a year in which summer streamflow was only 46 percent of average.
  • Weiser, Payette, Boise River—February precipitation was only 23 percent of average and water year to date precipitation has dropped to 54 percent. Snowpack is at 55 percent, causing streamflow forecasts to tumble to 35 percent.
  • Wood and Lost River—February precipitation amounts were similar to summer levels. Snowpacks range from 64 percent of average in Camas Creek to 79 percent in Fish, Birch and Medicine Lodge basins. Streamflow forecasts call for 39 percent for the Big Wood at Hailey and decrease to 20 percent in the lower Big Wood Basin and Camas Creek.
  • Upper Snake River—February precipitation was below average for the fourth consecutive month at only 56 percent, second highest in the state. Water year to date precipitation is 76 percent, now less than last year. The snowpack is only about three-quarters of last year’s and ranges from 68-82 percent. The Snake River near Heise is forecast at 61 percent of average, which is less than the previous three years.
  • Southside Snake River—Precipitation ranged from 15-55 percent at the 14 SNOTEL stations. Water year to date precipitation is at 79 percent. With warm temperatures, the Owyhee River near Rome probably reached its snowmelt peak streamflow for this year. Streamflow forecasts range from 30-50 percent and water supply shortages will occur.
  • Bear River—This basin continues to capitalize on this year’s unusual weather patterns. February precipitation was 74 percent of average, the highest in the state. Snowpack ranges from 120 percent in the headwaters of Utah to 75 percent at the most northern sites in Idaho. Headwater streamflows are forecasted at 110 percent and decrease to 51 percent at Bear Lake.

For the complete Idaho Water Supply Outlook Report, visit http://www.id.nrcs.usda.gov/snow/watersupply/



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