News Release Archive

Wyoming Area Snowmelt Runoff Forecast - North Platte River Basin

Media Contact: John H. Lawson, (307) 261-5671, jlawson@usbr.gov
Buck Feist, bfeist@usbr.gov

For Release: February 03, 2010

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 Feb. 1 forecast of the spring snowmelt runoff for the North Platte Basin is below average.

Total April through July runoff in the North Platte Basin above Glendo Dam is expected to be 635,000 acre feet (AF) or 71% of the 30 year average of 891,100 AF. Approximately 500,000 AF (71% of average) of the runoff is expected to enter Seminoe Reservoir with an additional 35,000 AF (57% of average) being provided to Pathfinder Reservoir from the Sweetwater River, and the balance of 100,000 AF (80% of average) coming from the basin between Pathfinder Reservoir and Glendo Reservoir.

The water in storage for delivery to North Platte Project contractors is 713,435 AF or 132% of average. Since the Feb. 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 March, April, and May.

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Relevant Link:

Wyoming Area Office Home Page