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 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 May 1 forecast of the spring snowmelt runoff for the North Platte Basin is slightly above the 30-year average.

Total expected April through July runoff in the North Platte Basin above Glendo Dam is expected to be 1,000,000 acre feet (AF) or 113% of the 30 year average of 887,500 AF. Approximately 850,000 AF (121% of average) of the runoff is expected to enter Seminoe Reservoir (of which 104,800 AF was received in April), with an additional 50,000 AF (81% of average) being provided to Pathfinder Reservoir from the Sweetwater River (of which 5,300 AF was received in April), and the balance of 100,000 AF (83% of average) coming from the basin between Pathfinder Reservoir and Glendo Reservoir (of which 14,600 AF was received in April).

The water in storage for delivery to North Platte Project contractors is 591,673 AF or 82% of average. Reclamation continues to encourage water conservation in planning for the upcoming season.

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Relevant Link:

Wyoming Area Office Home Page