News Release Archive

Snowmelt Runoff Forecast - Bighorn River Basin

Media Contact: John H. Lawson, (307) 261-5671, jlawson@gp.usbr.gov

For Release: June 02, 2004

The Wyoming Area Office of the Bureau of Reclamation in Mills, Wyoming, has prepared snowmelt runoff forecasts for the Shoshone and Wind Rivers of the Bighorn River Basin, according to John H. Lawson, Wyoming Area Manager. The June 1, forecast of the spring snow melt runoff is below normal for all areas.

The Bighorn Basin forecast indicates inflows from the Shoshone River to Buffalo Bill Reservoir during the April through July period will be 400,000 acre-feet (AF) (58% of average), compared to a 30-year average of 684,000 AF. Of this amount 110,000 AF was received in April and May, leaving 290,000 AF of runoff forecasted for June through July.

The Wind River portion of the Bighorn River Basin April through July inflow forecast includes the snowmelt runoff into Bull Lake Reservoir from Bull Lake Creek, which is expected to be 100,000 AF (71% of average), of which 23,000 AF was received in April and May, and the snowmelt runoff into the Wind River above Bull Lake Creek, which is expected to be 260,000 AF (61% of average) of which 71,000 AF was received in April and May. The expected inflows to Boysen Reservoir for the April through July period are 250,000 AF (42% of average), of which 114,000 AF was received in April and May leaving 136,000 AF of runoff forecasted for June through July.

Reclamation is the largest wholesale water supplier and the second largest producer of hydroelectric power in the United States, with operations and facilities in the 17 Western States. Its facilities also provide substantial flood control, recreation, and fish and wildlife benefits.

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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.

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