News Release Archive

Reclamation Issues Snowmelt Runoff Forecast for the Bighorn River Basin

Media Contact: Tyler Johnson, (406) 247-7609, tjohnson@usbr.gov

For Release: April 08, 2011

BILLINGS, MONT. - Reclamation's April through July runoff forecasts for the Bighorn Basin are as follows:

  • Buffalo Bill Reservoir - Shoshone River inflow to Buffalo Bill Reservoir is forecasted at 840,000 acre-feet, which is 127 percent of the 30-year average of 661,000 acre-feet.

  • Wind River - The snowmelt runoff into Wind River above Bull Lake Creek is expected to be 470,000 acre-feet, which is 117 percent of the 30 year average of 402,000 acre-feet.

  • Bull Lake Reservoir - Bull Lake Creek inflow to Bull Lake Reservoir is forecasted at 150,000 acre-feet, which is 108 percent of the 30-year average.

  • Boysen Reservoir - Wind River inflow to Boysen Reservoir is forecasted at 670,000 acre-feet, which is 121 percent of the 30-year average of 556,000 acre-feet.

  • Bighorn Lake (Yellowtail Reservoir) - Inflow to Yellowtail is forecasted at 1,400,000 acre-feet, which is 132 percent of the 30-year average of 1,059,400 acre-feet.

For additional information on Buffalo Bill, Boysen and Bull Lake reservoirs, contact Wyoming Area Manager Mr. John Lawson at 307-261-5671.

For additional information on Yellowtail Reservoir, contact Montana Area Manager Dan Jewell at 406-247-7298.

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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:

Montana Area Office Home Page

Wyoming Area Office Home Page