NEWS

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

ANOTHER DROUGHT YEAR EXPECTED

BOISE, ID—The drought will continue for the fifth straight year in some parts of Idaho and may be the driest year yet, according to the Idaho Water Supply Outlook Report issued this week by the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).

April’s dry weather with above normal temperatures has deteriorated Idaho’s water supply. Healthy snowpacks that were near average in early and mid-winter are now well below average. Streamflow forecasts mirror the declining snow.

The remaining snowpack is the lowest at 25-35 percent of average in the lower elevation basins of Weiser, Mann, Rathdrum, Little Lost, Portneuf and Owyhee. The highest snowpacks are 73 percent of average in Priest and North Fork Clearwater basins. Elsewhere, snowpacks are 40-60 percent of average. The snowpack is about half of last year’s in west-central and central Idaho, and about three-quarters of last year in eastern Idaho.

Streamflow forecasts remain the lowest in the Bear River basin at four percent of average and are 20-50 percent in central Idaho. The highest are 70 percent of average for a few streams in northern Idaho. In some basins, like the Boise and Upper Snake, streamflow will be less than the past two years, but better than in 2001. However, the Big Lost and Lemhi basins may experience the lowest surface water supplies since the drought started four years ago.

“This is not good news for Idaho’s numerous water users,” says Ron Abramovich, NRCS water supply specialist. “It looks like water supplies will be short this year and the dry spring could also mean a negative impact on our forests and rangelands across the state.”

As for recreationists, there is still enough snow to generate another streamflow peak in early to mid-May, but it won’t last long. River runners and water users should plan accordingly for the reduced streamflow volume projections.

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

Panhandle—April ended as the third consecutive month with below average precipitation. The snowpack in most basins is about two-thirds of average. Streamflows are forecast at 60-70 percent of average.

Clearwater River—April precipitation was only 56 percent of average. Overall, the snowpack is 68 percent of average. The Selway and Lochsa river basins streamflows are forecast at 66 percent of average. There is enough remaining snow to see another rise in these streams but it won’t last for long.

Salmon River—April precipitation was only 53 percent of average overall. Snowpacks are about half of average and less than half of last year. The Lemhi River streamflow forecast is for 37 percent of average, which is a record low amount for the May-July period. The Middle Fork Salmon River is forecast at 42 percent of average, similar to 2001.

Weiser, Payette, Boise River—April precipitation was 49 percent of average. The remaining snow is about half of average in the Boise and Payette basins, and 25 percent in the Weiser and Mann basins. Streamflow forecasts are 54 percent for the Boise and Payette, and 40 percent for the Weiser.

Wood and Lost River—Several SNOTEL stations recorded their lowest March-April precipitation during the past 20 years. Overall, remaining snowpacks are less than half of average. Streamflow forecasts are 20-45 percent of average. The Big Lost and Little Lost water users may experience the lowest water supplies since the drought started.

Upper Snake River—April mountainous precipitation ranged from 35 percent in the Island Park area to 85 percent in Yellowstone National Park. Snowpack is 40-60 percent of average. The Snake River near Heise is forecast at 64 percent of average. Water users should be prepared for shortages worse than last year.

Southside Snake River—The remaining snow is 35 percent of average in the Owyhee, 52 percent in the Bruneau, 56 percent in Salmon Falls and 60 percent in the Oakley basins. Owyhee Reservoir water users should have adequate irrigation supplies, while Salmon Falls and Oakley irrigators will be water short.

Bear River—April precipitation continued the below average trend. Overall, snowpack is 45 percent of average and has less snow than last year. Residual streamflows for Bear River at Stewart Dam are four percent of average. Water users should be prepared for more severe shortages than last year.

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

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