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

For more information:
Ron Abramovich (208) 378-5741 or
(208) 871-1247

RECENT PRECIPITATION EXTENDS WATER SUPPLIES
Idaho Water Outlook Still Below Normal

BOISE, ID— Idaho received a near normal month’s precipitation in both March and April but the overall water outlook still remains below average, according to the Idaho Water Supply Outlook Report issued this week by the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).

The recent cool, wet weather across Idaho has extended summer water supplies and left water users in better shape than they were a month ago. Snowpack averages in higher elevations remained steady and improved streamflow forecasts.

The Panhandle Region and Upper Snake Basin received the lowest precipitation amounts at 72 percent of average while parts of southern Idaho received 171 percent of average. Water year to date precipitation amounts range from a low of 64 percent in the Salmon, Weiser, Payette and Boise River Basins to 103 percent in the Bear River Basin.

Most Idaho snowpacks are greater than last year at this time—mostly due to a later snowmelt—but the snowpacks still peaked well below average. Snowpacks in northern, central and eastern Idaho remain in the 50-70 percent range while southern parts of the state are in the 80-100 percent range.

Streamflow forecasts for most Idaho drainages have remained steady in the 35-65 percent range, with the exception of the Bear River Basin headwaters at 110 percent and the Magic Reservoir inflow at 26 percent.

Here’s a glimpse of the water supply outlook by basin:

• Panhandle Region—April precipitation and water year to date are both 74 percent of average. Snowpack in the Coeur d’Alene Basin is 29 percent and 50 percent in the other basins, the third lowest readings since 1961. Streamflow forecasts are at only 40-60 percent.

• Clearwater River Basin—April precipitation was 89 percent of average while the basin is at 71 percent for the water year. Snowpack remains at near record low levels at 53 percent. Streamflow forecasts are also near record lows.

• Salmon River Basin—April precipitation was 84 percent of average and is at 65 percent for the water year, nearly the lowest in the state. Overall basin snowpack is 57 percent of average and streams are forecast at 50-60 percent.

• Weiser, Payette, Boise River Basins—April mountain precipitation was 78 percent of average and water year to date is 64 percent, the lowest in the state. Snowpacks are about half of average and streams are also forecast at half of average.

• Wood and Lost River Basins—April precipitation was average while water year to date precipitation is at 77 percent. Snowpacks range from 60-80 percent. The streamflow for the Big Wood River below Magic Reservoir is forecast at only 26 percent.

• Upper Snake River Basin—Overall, April precipitation was 70 percent of average, the lowest in the state. Water year to date is 76 percent, about 10 percent less than last year. Snowpacks range from 58-73 percent. The Snake River near Heise is forecast at 60 percent.

• Southside Snake River—April precipitation was 171 percent of average, improving the water supply outlook in these basins. Snowpacks are average for the Raft, Oakley, Salmon Falls and Bruneau Basins and below average in the Owyhee Basin.

• Bear River Basin—Overall, April precipitation was 107 percent of average and water year to date precipitation is 103 percent. Snow water content amounts are about average, the highest since 1999. Streams are forecast at 110 percent for the Bear River headwaters and decrease to 45 percent at Bear Lake.

For more information on basin snowpacks, water-year-to-date precipitation and streamflow forecasts, visit http://www.id.nrcs.usda.gov/snow/watersupply/ .

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