News Release Archive

North Platte River Basin Snowmelt Runoff Forecast

Media Contact: John H. Lawson, (307) 261-5671, jlawson@gp.usbr.gov
Mark Andersen, mandersen@gp.usbr.gov

For Release: February 03, 2006

The Wyoming Area Office of the Bureau of Reclamation in Mills, Wyoming, has prepared snowmelt runoff forecasts for the North Platte River Basin, according to John H. Lawson, Wyoming Area Manager. The February 1st forecast of the spring snowmelt runoff for the North Platte Basin is above normal for the first time in seven years.

Total expected April through July runoff in the North Platte Basin above Glendo Dam is expected to be 1,150,000 acre feet (AF) or 130% of the 30 year average of 888,000 AF. Approximately 950,000 AF (135% of average) of the runoff is expected to enter Seminoe Reservoir with an additional 70,000 AF (111% of average) being provided to Pathfinder Reservoir from the Sweetwater River, and the balance of 130,000 AF (106% of average) coming from the basin between Pathfinder Reservoir and Glendo Reservoir.

The water in storage for delivery to North Platte Project contractors is 526,700 AF or 98% of average. Although the forecast is above average, it is only the first of February and the forecast could change drastically over the next several months. Reclamation continues to encourage water conservation in planning for the up coming season.

Reclamation will update the inflow forecasts again in March, April, and May.

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Relevant Link:

Great Plains Home Page

Wyoming Area Office Home Page