United States Department of Agriculture
Natural Resources Conservation Service		 Idaho Go to Accessibility Information
Skip to Page Content

 

NEWS

United States Department of Agriculture
Natural Resources Conservation Service
9173 W. Barnes Dr., Suite C
Boise, Idaho 83709
 
For more information:
Ron Abramovich, (208) 378-5741 or
Dastina Johnson, (208) 685-6978
 

Idaho Water Supply Outlook is Promising

Boise, ID, January 8, 2007-- The water supply outlook in Idaho looks promising for 2007. According to the Idaho Water Supply Outlook Report released today by the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), precipitation, snowpack and reservoir storage amounts are near or above average throughout most of the state.

“This is excellent news for everyone.  Summer water supplies are looking encouraging for farmers and ranchers and for those who enjoy recreational activities in the water,” said Ron Abramovich, NRCS water supply specialist. “But, with half of winter still ahead of us, it’s important to note that conditions can change, as we’ve seen in the past.”

Since the water year began on October 1, heavy precipitation brought near or well above average amounts throughout Idaho.  November 2006 left Idaho with record amounts of precipitation—up to 230 percent in the Panhandle Region and Clearwater Basins.  These northern areas have already received more than half their average annual precipitation.

Snowpack is on target when compared to the 30-year averages.  Oakley, Raft, Salmon, Weiser, Payette and Boise basins have the highest snowpacks, ranging from 95-115 percent of average.  The lowest snowpacks are at 75 percent of average across parts of southern Idaho and the Upper Snake River basin in Wyoming. 

“With last year’s abundant runoff, Idaho’s reservoir storage should be in excellent shape for this year,” said Abramovich. Reservoir storage is near average or better in the state except for Bear Lake at 58 percent of average.  The Outlook report predicts adequate surface water for the majority of the state this summer.

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

  • Panhandle Region—Record amounts of snowfall in November increased precipitation totals to 131 percent of average.  Snowpacks range from 85 to 105 percent of average. Streamflow forecasts range from 85-120 percent of average as a result of abundant moisture, primed soils and good base flows.
     
  • Clearwater River— Precipitation stands at 128 percent of average.  Snowpacks vary greatly between rivers but are at 97 percent of average collectively. Streamflow forecasts are at 85 percent of average. As long as more storms continue, a good spring runoff is almost guaranteed.
     
  • Salmon River—Precipitation is at 113 percent of average, better than last year.  Streamflow forecasts call for 97 percent of average in the Middle Fork of the Salmon River and an average of 99 percent in the Salmon River at White Bird.
     
  • Weiser, Payette, Boise River— Precipitation ranges from 106 to 116 percent of average in these basins with Payette receiving the highest amounts. Snowpack is near average in all three basins.  Streamflow forecasts are at 90 to 105 percent of average.
     
  • Wood and Lost River Basins— Precipitation is at 110 percent of average except for one-- Big Lost Basin is near average. Snowpack averages range from 80 - 95 percent.  Streamflows forecasts call for 75 to 95 percent of average, but could change if drier weather moves in.
     
  • Upper Snake River-- Precipitation has decreased from the beginning of the water year, but remains normal overall.  A good snowpack is needed for good runoff amounts—snowpack averages range from 75 to 96 percent.  Streamflow forecasts range from 75-95 percent of average.
     
  • Southside Snake River— Precipitation is at 115 percent of average.  Snow water content is about three quarters of last January’s amount with basins varying largely in range from 76 to 115 percent.  Due to the best reservoir storage in years, water supplies should be adequate for most water users.
     
  • Bear River— Precipitation stands at 119 percent of average, but has decreased monthly since the water year began.  Snowpack is at 78 percent of average, which is significantly lagging behind last season.

For the complete Idaho Water Supply Outlook Report, visit www.id.nrcs.usda.gov/snow and click on the ‘Water Supply’ link.   Please contact Ron Abramovich, 208/378-5741 for additional information.

 

USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

< Back to News Releases