NEWS

March 8, 2007, BOISE, Idaho -- Even though January was unseasonably dry, February’s heavy precipitation stabilized streamflow forecasts and snowpack from their downward trends throughout most of Idaho.  According to Idaho’s Water Supply Outlook Report issued by the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), reservoir storage remains in good shape due to last year’s abundant runoff.

“With abundant spring moisture, supplies should be adequate for all of Idaho’s water users, including irrigators, boaters and others,” said Ron Abramovich, NRCS water supply specialist.  “If not, dry conditions could put constraints on basins without water storage facilities.”

Snowpacks range from 57 percent of average in the Owyhee Basin to 93 percent in the Panhandle Region.  Snowpacks are 75-85 percent of average for most of Idaho. If March is dry, the snowpack will only be 50-75 percent of its seasonal peak, which crests in early April.

Streamflow forecasts are up slightly from last month, although the majority are still below average statewide. The exception is in the Owyhee basin, which jumped 15-20 percentage points.  Most streamflow forecasts range from 65-95 percent of average. 

Reservoir storage is promising especially since supplies rarely fluctuate during the winter. Reservoir storage this year is at 100-130 percent of average throughout most of the state. The lowest storage remains in Bear Lake at only 60 percent of average, or 39 percent of capacity. 

The NRCS Snow Survey Program publishes the full report on Idaho’s water supply outlook, including conditions for specific basins, and daily updates. To access it, visit www.id.nrcs.usda.gov/snow/watersupply.  Please contact Ron Abramovich, 208/378-5741 or Phil Morrisey, 208/685-6983 for additional information.