News Release Archive

Yakima Basin Water Supply - May Forecast Released

Media Contact: John Redding, (208) 378-5212, jredding@usbr.gov
Chuck Garner, cgarner@usbr.gov

For Release: May 06, 2010

The Bureau of Reclamation's May 2010, water supply forecast for the Yakima Basin indicates a shortage for junior water rights and a full water supply for senior water rights based on the Total Water Supply Available (TWSA).

"April precipitation was very good; 132 percent of average for the month. Many of the basin's snow stations have held or improved in April," said Chuck Garner, Yakima Project River Operations Supervisor. "On the other hand the Yakima basin reservoir system is lagging behind at only 64 percent of capacity (which is 86 percent of average)."

Senior water rights holders are expected to receive their full water supply this season. Junior users are expected to receive 78 percent of their entitlement from the beginning of prorationing until September 30, 2010. The start of prorationing and water entitlement amounts will be determined later in the year. Those with water rights issued after May 1905 must cease diverting water as soon as prorationing begins.

"In spite of the good precipitation we will still be in a water short situation this season," Garner added. "Reclamation uses prorationing as a means to distribute water allocations. This simply ensures that water distribution is adequately shared among junior water users."

The TWSA forecast is based on flows, precipitation, snowpack, and reservoir storage as of May 1 along with estimates of future precipitation. Other future weather conditions that determine the timing of the run-off and the demand for water are also critical in determining, streamflows, prorationing, and the extent to which the reservoirs fill.

The water supply can be improved through prudent use of water.

For more information visit our website at http://www.usbr.gov/pn/hydromet/yakima

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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.

Relevant Link:

http://www.usbr.gov/pn/hydromet/yakima