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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
Phil Morrisey, 208/685-6983
Dastina Johnson, 208/685-6978

Idaho Water Supply Outlook Remains Positive

Boise, ID, February 7, 2008—January storms brought much needed moisture into Idaho according to the Idaho Water Supply Outlook Report released today by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS).   As of February 1, precipitation, snowpack, and streamflow range from average to above average throughout the entire state. Only reservoir storage remains below average throughout most of Idaho.

Frequent, heavy storms brought the Big Lost, Little Lost and Little Wood basins the highest amounts of moisture--twice their normal January precipitation amounts.  Idaho’s lowest amount of moisture was received in the Upper Snake River basin at 109 percent of average.  Other parts of the state range from 120-170 percent of average.

Snowpacks range from just below average in the Bear River basin to double their normal average in the lower elevations of Idaho’s Panhandle. “With about two months of the snow accumulation season still to come, more snow is needed to ensure an adequate water supply in the later half of summer,” said Ron Abramovich, NRCS water supply specialist.

Carryover reservoir storage started much lower this year when compared to last year.  Cold temperatures brought little change to reservoir storage, keeping streamflows to a minimum. There are only five Idaho reservoirs storing above average amounts: Pend Oreille Lake, Dworshak, Cascade, Grassy Lake and Ririe.  The lowest storage in the state is in Magic Reservoir at 24 percent of average followed by Bear Lake at 39 percent of average. 

Streams are forecast at 85-110 percent of average across most of Idaho. Multiple streamflow peaks are projected this year due to the abundant low elevation snow.  “It is so easy to get excited about the recent surplus of snow we’ve received in recent months,” said Abramovich. “However, we should remember that it is still early in the season and that Idaho’s overflowing faucet can quickly turn into a trickle.” 

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

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