News Release Archive

Wyoming Area Snowmelt Runoff Forecast - North Platte Basin

Media Contact: John H. Lawson, (307) 261-5671, jlawson@usbr.gov
Michael R. Odle, modle@usbr.gov

For Release: April 03, 2009

The Wyoming Area Office of the Bureau of Reclamation in Mills, Wyo., has prepared snowmelt runoff forecasts for the North Platte River Basin, according to John H. Lawson, Wyoming Area Manager. The April 1 forecast of the spring snowmelt runoff indicates below average April through July snowmelt runoff can be expected at all forecast locations within the North Platte Basin in Wyoming.

Total April through July runoff in the North Platte Basin above Glendo Dam is expected to be 830,000 acre-feet (AF) (94 percent of average) compared to a 30-year average of 886,400 AF. Approximately 700,000 AF (99 percent of average) of the runoff is expected to enter Seminoe Reservoir with an additional 30,000 AF (49 percent of average) being provided to Pathfinder Reservoir from the Sweetwater River, and the balance of 100,000 AF (82 percent of average) coming from the basin between Pathfinder Reservoir and Glendo Reservoir.

The water in storage for delivery to North Platte Project contractors is 833,350 AF (130 percent of average). Since the April 1 forecast is below average, Reclamation continues to encourage water conservation in planning for the upcoming season.

Reclamation will update the inflow forecasts again in May.

# # #

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.

Relevant Link:

Wyoming Area Office Home Page