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: May 05, 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 May 1 forecast of the spring snowmelt runoff indicates above average April through July snowmelt runoff can be expected at all forecast locations within the North Platte Basin in Wyoming, except the inflow from the Sweetwater River, which is below average.

Total expected April through July runoff in the North Platte Basin above Glendo Dam is expected to be 985,000 acre feet (AF) or 111% of the average of 886,400 AF. Approximately 770,000 AF (109% of average) of the runoff is expected to enter Seminoe Reservoir (of which 108,100 AF was received in April) with an additional 45,000 AF (74 % of average) being provided to Pathfinder Reservoir from the Sweetwater River (of which 10,000 AF was received in April), and the balance of 170,000 AF (139% of average) coming from the basin between Pathfinder Reservoir and Glendo Reservoir (of which 66,000 AF was received in April).

The water in storage for delivery to North Platte Project contractors is 964,700 AF or 133% of average. Reclamation continues to encourage water conservation in planning for the upcoming season.

The Wyoming Area Office uses the most recent 30-year period (1979-2008) to determine average.

# # #

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