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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 378-5741
Phil Morrisey, (208) 685-6983

www.id.nrcs.usda.gov/snow/


SNOWPACKS REMAIN BELOW AVERAGE

BOISE, ID— The half-way point of winter has passed and, still, snowpacks remain well below average, according to the Idaho Water Supply Outlook Report issued this week by the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).

January weather conditions continued to be warm and dry, creating more concern for snowpack levels and future streamflows.

“We have less than half of the winter remaining and a rather large water deficit to overcome,” says Ron Abramavich, NRCS water supply specialist. “We need a great deal of precipitation to replenish the depleted snowpacks across the state. Unfortunately, weather models have forecast warmer and drier conditions than average over the next three months.”

Below average January precipitation was recorded everywhere in the state except for the Bear River Basin which received 112 percent of average. The Weiser, Payette and Boise basin January precipitation was 42 percent of average while most of the state received 60-70 percent.

Most snowpacks are significantly lower than this time last year. The Wood and Lost, Upper Snake and Southside Snake River basins fall in the 75-85 percent range while the Salmon, Owyhee, Weiser, Boise and Payette River basins are at 60-70 percent of average. The largest deficit lies in the Panhandle region and Clearwater basins where snowpacks are only at 50 percent. In addition, warm January temperatures caused some snow measuring sites in northern Idaho to begin melting prematurely.

Streamflow forecasts decreased in January and now range from 55-75 percent of average for the April-September period across most of the state.

Here is a look at the Water Supply Outlook by region:

  • Panhandle—Snowpacks range from 35-60 percent of average. Mountain precipitation was only 64 percent in January, the third consecutive month with precipitation less than 75 percent. Summer streamflows are now predicted at 55-75 percent for most north Idaho streams.
  • Clearwater River—January precipitation was only 59 percent of average. Snowpacks in the North Fork Clearwater, Lochsa and Selway basins are 45-55 percent. Current streamflow forecasts are for 67 percent for the Selway and Lochsa rivers.  
  • Salmon River—January precipitation was only 46 percent of average. Snowpacks are the highest in the Lemhi Basin at 72 percent while the Middle Fork and South Fork Salmon River basins are 58 percent and the Little Salmon is 63 percent. Streamflows are forecast at 65 percent of average.
  • Weiser, Payette, Boise River—Water year to date precipitation is now 63 percent of average, the lowest in the state and about two-thirds of last year. Streamflow forecasts call for 58 percent for the Payette River, 62 percent for the Boise River and 51 percent for the Weiser River.  
  • Wood and Lost River—Water year to date precipitation has fallen to 85 percent of average. Snowpacks range from near average in the Little Wood and Fish Creek basins and decrease to 89 percent in the Big Lost, and 78 percent in the Big Wood and Little Lost basins. Streamflows are forecast at 50-65 percent of average.
  • Upper Snake River—January mountain precipitation was 67 percent of average. Snowpacks range from 69 percent in the Snake River above Jackson Lake to 83 percent for the Henrys Fork Basin. Streamflows are forecast at 76 percent for the Henrys Fork, 70 percent for the Snake River near Heise and 45 percent for American Falls Reservoir inflow.
  • Southside Snake River—Overall, precipitation is 89 percent for the water year. Snowpacks are 85 percent in the Bruneau, Salmon Falls and Oakley basins, 78 percent in the Raft River and 63 percent in the Owyhee Basin. Streamflow forecasts range from 50-65 percent of average.
  • Bear River—Snowpacks are at 111 percent of average, 25 percent better than a year ago. Above average fall moisture contributed to the best antecedent soil moisture conditions since 1998-99. Streamflows are forecast at 116 percent for the Bear River near the UT-WY border but remain at 58 percent for the Bear River near Stewart Dam.

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


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