- Reclamation
- News & Multimedia
- News Releases
- News Release Archive
- Reclamation Issues Snowmelt Forecast for North Platte
News Release Archive
Reclamation Issues Snowmelt Forecast for North Platte
Media Contact:
Coleman W. Smith, Jr., (307) 261-5671, cwsmith@usbr.gov
For Release: February 07, 2013
MILLS, Wyo. -- The Bureau of Reclamation's Wyoming Area Office has prepared snowmelt runoff forecasts for the North Platte River Basin. The Feb. 1 forecast indicates below average spring snowmelt runoff for the North Platte Basin.
April through July runoff in the North Platte Basin above Glendo Dam is expected to be 319,000 acre feet (AF) or 34 percent of the 30-year-average of 944,600 AF. Approximately 260,000 AF (35 percent of average) of runoff is expected to enter Seminoe Reservoir with an additional 39,000 AF (65 percent of average) being provided to Pathfinder Reservoir from the Sweetwater River, and the balance of 20,000 AF (15 percent of average) coming from the basin between Pathfinder Reservoir and Glendo Reservoir.
The water in storage for delivery to North Platte Project contractors as of Jan. 31, is 224,000 AF or 39 percent of average. Reclamation is advising North Platte Project water users that an allocation is expected. With reservoir storage well below average and below average inflow forecasted for April through July, water users will need to take measures to conserve the available water supply.
With the current forecast, river flows throughout the system are expected to be much less than average and below last year's flows. Reclamation will update the inflow forecasts again in March, April, and May.
# # #
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:
