News Release Archive

Yakima Basin Water Supply - May Forecast Released

Media Contact: John Redding, (208) 378-5212, 05/05/2011 10:13
Chuck Garner, cgarner@usbr.gov

For Release: May 05, 2011

The Bureau of Reclamation's Total Water Supply Available (TWSA) forecast for May 2011 in 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 can expect a normal to above normal water supply this season thanks to above average snowpack and reservoir levels in early May.

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, but specific water delivery levels will not be determined until later in the year when storage begins to decline.

The May TWSA forecast is based on flows, precipitation, snowpack, and reservoir storage as of May 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 Yakima basin water users to use their water prudently.

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