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U.S. Department of Agriculture
Natural Resources Conservation Service
9173 W. Barnes Dr., Suite C
Boise, Idaho 83709

For more information:
Ron Abramovich 378-5741
 

MORE SNOW NEEDED TO INCREASE IDAHO WATER SUPPLY

BOISE, FEB. 11—Snow levels in Idaho are about the same as a month ago or slightly less, ranging from 80 to 110 percent of average for the majority of basins, according to the Idaho Water Supply Outlook Report released by the Natural Resources Conservation Service on Feb. 1.

With snow water content at normal or below normal levels across central Idaho, streamflow forecasts range from 80 to 105 percent of average for most streams. The lowest forecasts are 65% of average in the Bear River and Snake River below Milner Dam. Highest forecasts are 115 percent of average in the Panhandle Region.

Reservoir storage remains low. Coeur d’Alene, Priest Lake, Dworshak and Brownlee reservoirs are reporting near or above average storage. The lowest reservoirs are storing only 20 to 50 percent of the average Jan. 31 storage, including Magic, Jackson Lake, Palisades, Oakley, Salmon Falls and Owyhee.

Normal precipitation is needed during the next two months to maintain the current streamflow projections. Water users are advised to monitor snowpack conditions closely. Abundant moisture can still increase snow levels and streamflow projections. Lack of moisture in March and April and during the snowmelt season will cause a decrease in actual runoff this spring and summer.

NRCS operates an extensive automated SNOTEL system to collect snowpack and related climatic data in the West. The system provides information on snow depth and water content, precipitation and temperature, wind speed and direction, soil moisture and temperature. A variety of reports—including daily snow and precipitation data and water supply forecast summaries—are available on the NRCS Home Page at http://www.id.nrcs.usda.gov/snow/watersupply/. This data can also be used to determine snow loads when homeowners and others may need to shovel snow off the roofs of structures.

Summary
Location Snowpack % of average Streamflow forecasts %of average flow
Panhandle Region     100 to 125 105 to 120
Selway River 99  97
Dworshak Reservoir 112 114
Salmon River 93  95
Weiser, Payette, Boise River Basins 95 to 120 95 to 105
Wood and Lost River Basin 85 to 135 80 to 95
Upper Snake River Basin 80 to 100 75 to 90
Southside Snake River Basins 120 to 140 85 to 115
Bear River Basin  80 to 90 69 to 78

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