News Release Archive

Yakima Basin Water Supply - April Forecast Released

Media Contact: David Walsh, (208) 378-5026, dwalsh@pn.usbr.gov
Chuck Garner, cgarner@pn.usbr.gov

For Release: April 08, 2009

The Bureau of Reclamation has just released the April 2009, 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 near normal water supply at this time," said Chuck Garner, Yakima Project River Operations supervisor. "The April 2009 forecast indicates a full water supply for all water users."

As of April 1, system storage was 78 percent full and 125 percent of average.

"The reservoir storage is well above average and the snowpack has improved very nicely in March. After a few days of warm weather the forecast is calling for cool conditions to return. This will delay snow melt and keep the natural stream flows well below average. We may need to release water from the reservoirs to supplement flows and to meet demands until the weather warms up and natural stream flows increase." 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. If warm weather prompts an early snowmelt run-off and dry conditions prevail the situation could worsen.

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

Reservoir storage on April 1, 2009

Reservoir Content (acre-ft) Total Capacity percent of Capacity Keechelus 129,866 157,800 82% Kachess 216,137 239,000 90% Cle Elum 322,798 436,900 74% Bumping 9,260 33,700 27% Rimrock 149,097 198,000 75% Totals 827,159 1,065,400 78%

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