News Release Archive

Yakima Basin Water Supply - May Forecast

Media Contact: John Redding , (208) 378-5212, 05/09/2008 14:40
Chuck Garner, cgarner@pn.usbr.gov

For Release: May 09, 2008

The Bureau of Reclamation has just released the May 2008, forecast for irrigation water supply in the Yakima Basin. The forecast is based on flow data, the snowpack, and precipitation data.

"We are expecting a normal to above normal water supply at this time," said Chuck Garner, Yakima Project River Operations supervisor. "The May 2008 forecast indicates a full water supply for all water users."

As of May 1, system storage was 46 percent full and 61 percent of average. "This spring has been unusually cold, keeping the snow as snow and the flows very low. Our reservoirs have a long way to go to fill but the overall outlook is good," Garner said.

At this time both junior and senior water rights holders are expected to receive their full water supply. Specific water delivery levels will not be determined until later in the year.

The weather conditions that determine precipitation, the run-off timing, and demand for water are critical in determining whether the reservoirs fill, the amount of water available for irrigation, and possible rationing levels.

Water demands requiring storage releases, even prior to storage control, may be charged to the users' total entitlement.

Reservoir storage on May 1, 2008

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The Bureau of Reclamation is a federal agency under the U.S. Department of the Interior and is the nation's largest wholesale water supplier and second largest producer of hydroelectric power. Our facilities also provide substantial flood control, recreation opportunities, and environmental benefits. Visit our website at https://www.usbr.gov and follow us on Twitter @USBR; Facebook @bureau.of.reclamation; LinkedIn @Bureau of Reclamation; Instagram @bureau_of_reclamation; and YouTube @reclamation.