News Release Archive

Reclamation Issues Snowmelt Runoff Forecast for Bighorn River Basin

Media Contact: Tyler Johnson, (406) 247-7609, 04/09/2012 00:00

For Release: April 09, 2012

BILLINGS, Mont. -- As of April 1, Reclamation's April through July runoff forecast for the Bighorn Basin is as follows:

  • Buffalo Bill Reservoir - Shoshone River inflow to Buffalo Bill Reservoir is forecast at 700,000 acre-feet, which is 103 percent of the 30-year average of 679,000 acre-feet.
  • Wind River - snowmelt runoff into the Wind River above Bull Lake Creek is expected to be 380,000 acre-feet, which is 92 percent of the 30-year average of 412,000 acre-feet.
  • Bull Lake Reservoir - snowmelt runoff into Bull Lake Reservoir from Bull Lake Creek is expected to be 135,000 acre-feet, which is 96 percent of the 30-year average of 141,000 acre-feet.
  • Boysen Reservoir - Wind River inflow to Boysen Reservoir is forecast at 550,000 acre-feet, which is 96 percent of the 30-year average of 574,000 acre-feet.
  • Bighorn Lake (Yellowtail Reservoir) - Inflow to Yellowtail is forecast at 1,064,000 acre-feet, which is 93 percent of the 30-year average of 1,138,500 acre-feet.

An acre-foot is the amount of water needed to cover 1 acre (43,560 square feet) 1 foot deep (325,851 gallons or 1,233.5 cubic meters).

For additional information on Buffalo Bill, Boysen and Bull Lake reservoirs, contact Acting Wyoming Area Manager, Lyle D. Myler, at 307-261-5676.

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