News Release Archive

North Platte River Basin Snowmelt Runoff Forecast

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

For Release: February 07, 2005

The Wyoming Area Office of the Bureau of Reclamation in Mills, Wyoming, has prepared snowmelt runoff forecasts for the North Platte River Basin, according to John H. Lawson, Wyoming Area Manager. The February 1st forecast of the spring snowmelt runoff for the North Platte Basin, is below normal.

Total expected April through July runoff in the North Platte Basin above Glendo Dam is expected to be 700,000 acre feet (AF) or 78% of the 30 year average of 897,000 AF. Approximately 575,000 AF (81% of average) of the runoff is expected to enter Seminoe Reservoir with an additional 65,000 AF (102% of average) being provided to Pathfinder Reservoir from the Sweetwater River, and the balance of 60,000 AF (48% of average) coming from the basin between Pathfinder Reservoir and Glendo Reservoir.

The water in storage for delivery to North Platte Project contractors is 237,300 AF or 43% of average. The Bureau of Reclamation is advising North Platte Project water users that there may be a need for an allocation, based on existing data.

The Bureau of Reclamation will update the inflow forecasts again in March, April, and May.

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Relevant Link:

Great Plains Home Page

Wyoming Area Office