News Release Archive

Yakima Basin Water Supply - June Forecast Released

Media Contact: Annette Ross, (208) 378-5322, aross@usbr.gov
Chuck Garner, cgarner@usbr.gov

For Release: June 06, 2013

YAKIMA, Wash. - The Bureau of Reclamation's June 2013, Total Water Supply Available (TWSA) forecast for the Yakima Basin indicates a full water supply for both senior and junior water rights.

"Although we can't count on a wet spring, this is the fifth year in a row that precipitation in the basin has been above average in the spring. It certainly helps the water supply outlook," said Chuck Garner, Yakima Project River Operations supervisor.

At this time, 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. Specific water delivery levels will not be determined until later in the year when the reservoir system's storage begins to decline.

The June TWSA forecast is based on flows, precipitation, snowpack, and reservoir storage as of June 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, reservoir storage, and the water supply available.

"The basin reservoirs are full and the snowpack is close to average even though it is the lowest pack we’ve seen in the past seven years. We could end the season with the lowest reservoir levels since 2006. Water saved through good irrigation practices could help offset the low snowpack, keeping a little more water in the reservoirs," Garner said.

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