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NEWSU.S. Department of Agriculture
For more information:
Idaho Snowpacks Still in Good ShapeMarch 9, 2006, BOISE, ID— Even though snow accumulation was below average in February, Idaho’s snowpack, streamflow forecasts and reservoir storage remain above average overall. “After six years of drought across most of southern Idaho, this above average snowpack is just what we need,” says Ron Abramovich, water supply specialist for the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). “At this time, one month of below normal precipitation is not going to hurt us since we’re not playing catch-up this year.” The lowest snowpacks in Idaho are 90-100 percent of average in parts of the Panhandle and Clearwater basins and the highest are 130-140 percent in parts of central and southern Idaho. Overall, reservoir storage is positive with many making releases to prepare for spring runoff. Meanwhile, the lowest streamflow forecasts are for 86 percent of average in the Lemhi and Little Lost basins. The highest forecasts are for 130-155 percent in central and southern Idaho. “Surface water supplies should be adequate for Idaho’s irrigators and numerous other water users, including the fish, river runners and hydro-power producers,” Abramovich says. “In fact, there will be an extended period of high flows this spring.” The above normal snowpacks and streamflows will help recharge the springs that keep stream levels higher in the dry summer months. However, it may take several above normal snow years to put a dent in the cumulative drought deficit in the Bear Lake and Blackfoot reservoirs as well as in groundwater levels in central and eastern Idaho. The NRCS Snow Survey Program publishes the Idaho Water Supply Outlook Report. For the full report, including conditions for specific basins, and daily updates, visit www.id.nrcs.usda.gov/snow/watersupply.
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