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: March 03, 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 March 1 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 585,000 acre feet (AF) or 65% of the 30 year average of 896,800 AF. Approximately 470,000 AF (66% of average) of the runoff is expected to enter Seminoe Reservoir with an additional 60,000 AF (94% of average) being provided to Pathfinder Reservoir from the Sweetwater River, and the balance of 55,000 AF (44% of average) coming from the basin between Pathfinder Reservoir and Glendo Reservoir. The water in storage as of February 28, 2005, for delivery to North Platte Project contractors is 276,400 AF or 47% 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 April and May.

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Relevant Link:

Great Plains Home Page

Wyoming Area Office