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: March 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 March 1st forecast of the spring snowmelt runoff is above average for the North Platte Basin above Seminoe Reservoir and the Sweetwater River above Pathfinder Reservoir. The forecast for the reach between Pathfinder and Glendo Reservoir is below average.

Total expected April through July runoff for North Platte Basin above Glendo Dam is expected to be 1,040,000 acre feet (AF) or 117% of the 30 year average of 888,000 AF. Approximately, 875,000 AF (125% of average) of the runoff is expected to enter Seminoe Reservoir with an additional 65,000 AF (103% of average) being provided to Pathfinder Reservoir from the Sweetwater River, and the balance of 100,000 AF (81% of average) coming from the basin between Pathfinder Reservoir and Glendo Reservoir.

The water in storage for delivery to North Platte Project contractors is 557,600 AF or 97% of average. Although the forecast is above average, the forecast could change drastically over the next couple months. Reclamation continues to encourage water conservation in planning for the up coming season.

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

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Relevant Link:

Great Plains Region Home Page

Wyoming Area Office Home Page