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: April 03, 2007

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 April 1st forecast of the spring snowmelt runoff for the North Platte Basin is below normal.

Total expected April through July runoff in the North Platte Basin above Glendo Dam is expected to be 560,000 acre feet (AF) or 63% of the 30 year average of 883,000 AF. Approximately 440,000 AF (63% of average) of the runoff is expected to enter Seminoe Reservoir with an additional 40,000 AF (65% of average) being provided to Pathfinder Reservoir from the Sweetwater River, and the balance of 80,000 AF (66% of average) coming from the basin between Pathfinder Reservoir and Glendo Reservoir.

Although the water currently in storage for delivery to the North Platte Project contractors is 638,000 AF, the below average inflow forecasted for April through July of this year highlights the need to take measures to conserve the available water supply.

Reclamation will update the inflow forecasts again in May.

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Relevant Link:

Wyoming Area Office Home Page