News Release Archive

Reclamation Issues Snowmelt Forecast for North Platte

Media Contact: Coleman W. Smith, (307) 261-5671, cwsmith@usbr.gov

For Release: February 10, 2014

MILLS, Wyo. -- The Wyoming Area Office of the Bureau of Reclamation in Mills, Wyo., has prepared snowmelt runoff forecasts for the North Platte River Basin. According to Wyoming Area Manager Coleman Smith, the February 1 forecast indicates the spring snowmelt runoff for the North Platte Basin will be about average.

Total April through July runoff in the North Platte Basin above Glendo Dam is expected to be 875,000 acre feet (AF) or 99% of the 30 year average of 887,700 AF. Approximately 700,000 AF (99% of average) of the runoff is expected to enter Seminoe Reservoir with an additional 35,000 AF (65% of average) being provided to Pathfinder Reservoir from the Sweetwater River, and the balance of 140,000 AF (113% of average) coming from the basin between Pathfinder Reservoir and Glendo Reservoir.

The total storage for the North Platte Reservoir System as of January 31 is 1,152,600 AF, which is 72% of the 30-year average of 1,592,100 AF. The total conservation storage capacity of the North Platte Reservoir System is approximately 2,815,800 AF. The water in storage for delivery to North Platte Project contractors as of January 31 is 239,600 AF or 43% of average.

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

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Relevant Link:

Wyoming Area Office Home Page