News Release Archive

Yakima Basin Water Supply - June Forecast Released

Media Contact: David Walsh, (208) 378-5026, 06/07/2010 14:53
Chuck Garner, cgarner@usbr.gov

For Release: June 07, 2010

The Bureau of Reclamation's June 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).

"Precipitation in April and May has been well above average. Both months have also been relatively cool so the snowpack is holding up very well. Normally more snowmelt occurs in May than did this year. That leaves more snow to melt later in the summer and improves the water supply from here out," said Chuck Garner, Yakima Project River Operations Supervisor. "Our reservoirs are getting closer to normal levels but not all are expected to fill."

Senior water rights holders are expected to receive their full water supply this season. Junior users are expected to receive 90 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 and improved prorationing rate 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 June 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