News Release Archive

Yakima Basin Water Supply - April Forecast Released

Media Contact: John Redding, (208) 378-5212, 04/04/2011 09:48
Chuck Garner, cgarner@usbr.gov

For Release: April 04, 2011

The Bureau of Reclamation's April 2011, Total Water Supply Available (TWSA) forecast for the Yakima Basin indicates a full water supply for both senior and junior water rights, according to Chuck Garner, Yakima Project River Operations supervisor.

Garner said water managers are expecting a normal to above normal water supply at this time thanks to the improved snowpack during March.

"We managed to come out ahead even with the flood event that occurred on the last day of March which took some of the snowpack with it," Garner said. "The reservoirs are well above average, and all the key indicators point to an excellent water year."

At this time both junior and senior water rights holders are expected to receive their full water supply. The water supply forecast will be updated each month through July. Specific water delivery levels will not be determined until the storage begins to decline.

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

Garner said that the timing of the snowmelt and summer weather and irrigation demands are still important and can influence the carry over storage at the end of the season. He advises all water users in the Yakima basin to be wise about the amount of water they use.

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/