Idaho Snow Survey Program

The NRCS Snow Survey Program provides mountain snowpack data and streamflow forecasts for the western United States. Common applications of snow survey products include water supply management, flood control, climate modeling, recreation, and conservation planning.

Snow Survey News

News Release: APRIL’S COLD TEMPERATURES DELAY MOUNTAIN SNOWMELT
BOISE, ID, May 3, 2013 – Streamflows remain low as do inflows into reservoirs due to cold temperatures keeping the snowpack intact according the May Water Supply Outlook Report just released by the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS). “The current snowmelt rates are about a half an inch per day and the soil can absorb that,” said Ron Abramovich, Idaho NRCS Water Supply Specialist. “The high elevation snowpack hasn’t started to melt yet due to the cool spring temperatures. But, the snowpacks are below their seasonal peaks so there is not a lot of snow up there to sustain streamflows.” Basins south of the Snake River did receive above normal precipitation in April but not enough to improve the water supply for that area. The Idaho Surface Water Supply Index shows that water supply shortages are likely for irrigators in the Magic, Salmon Falls, Big Lost, and Little Lost River basins. Marginally adequate water supplies are expected for the Boise, Snake River and Oakley basins. Impacts to users in other basins will depend on how the water is used. Read more...

The May 2013 Water Supply Outlook Report is now online.
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May 1, 2013 Water Supply Outlook Report  (502 KB)