NEWS

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
James Montesi, (208) 685-6989

Recent Precipitation Improves Water Conditions - Idaho Still Facing Drought

Boise, ID, April 11, 2005— Idaho received a near normal month’s precipitation in March, but the water supply outlook still remains gloomy, according to the Idaho Water Supply Outlook Report issued recently by the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).

March was the first winter month this water year to provide near or above normal precipitation across much of the state. However, record low snowpacks of 50 percent still dominate northern Idaho while snowpacks in central Idaho have increased to 60-70 percent of average. In southern and eastern Idaho, snowpacks range from 70-85 percent.

“We’ve had a rough winter,” says Ron Abramovich, NRCS water supply specialist. “Four months of well below average precipitation has made for a dismal water supply outlook.”

Unless significant spring moisture comes, drought conditions will continue. Across the state, most streamflows are forecast at a record low of 45-65 percent.

“Water users should plan accordingly based on their water use, water rights and future water call decisions,” Abramovich says.

Water-year-to-date precipitation ranges from a low of 62 percent of average in the west-central mountains to 102 percent in the Bear River Basin. Snowpacks range from 40 percent in the Spokane River Basin to 97 percent in the Bear River Basin.

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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