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 05, 2008

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 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 820,000 acre feet (AF) or 92% of the 30 year average of 887,500 AF. Approximately 700,000 AF (99% 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.

The water in storage for delivery to North Platte Project contractors is 444,215 AF or 78% of average. Since the March 1st forecast is below average, Reclamation continues to encourage water conservation in planning for the upcoming season.

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

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Relevant Link:

Wyoming Area Office Home Page