News Release Archive

Reclamation Issues Snowmelt Runoff Forecast for Bighorn River Basin

Media Contact: Buck Feist, (406) 247-7607, bfeist@usbr.gov

For Release: February 11, 2014

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

  • Buffalo Bill Reservoir - Shoshone River April through July inflow to Buffalo Bill Reservoir is forecast at 720,000 acre-feet (AF), which is 108 percent of the 30-year average of 665,000 AF.


  • Wind River - April through July snowmelt runoff into the Wind River above Bull Lake Creek is expected to be 425,000 AF, which is 107 percent of the 30-year average of 397,000 AF.


  • Bull Lake Reservoir - April through July snowmelt runoff into Bull Lake Reservoir from Bull Lake Creek is expected to be 130,000 AF, which is 95 percent of the 30-year average of 137,000 AF.


  • Boysen Reservoir - Wind River April through July inflow to Boysen Reservoir is forecast at 475,000 AF, which is 89 percent of the 30-year average of 534,000 AF.


  • Bighorn Lake (Yellowtail Reservoir) - April through July inflow to Yellowtail Reservoir/Bighorn Lake is forecast at 1,140,000 AF, which is 107 percent of the historic average of 1,069,400 AF.

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 Wyoming Area Manager Coleman W. Smith at 307-261-5671.

For additional information on Yellowtail Reservoir, contact Montana Area Manager Brent Esplin 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