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: May 02, 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 May 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 445,000 acre feet (AF) or 50% of the 30 year average of 883,000 AF. Approximately 350,000 AF (50% of average) of the runoff is expected to enter Seminoe Reservoir (of which 90,400 AF was received in April), with an additional 30,000 AF (48% of average) being provided to Pathfinder Reservoir from the Sweetwater River (of which 8,550 AF was received in April), and the balance of 65,000 AF (54% of average) coming from the basin between Pathfinder Reservoir and Glendo Reservoir (of which 29,900 AF was received in April).

Although approximately 723,200 AF of water is currently in storage for delivery to the North Platte Project contractors, the significantly below average inflow forecasted for April through July of this year highlights the need to take measures to conserve the available water supply.

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Relevant Link:

Wyoming Area Office Home Page