News Release Archive

Reclamation Issues Snowmelt Runoff Forecast for Bighorn River Basin

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

For Release: March 10, 2014

BILLINGS, Mont. -- Reclamation's March 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 900,000 AF, which is 135 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 600,000 AF, which is 151 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 160,000 AF, which is 117 percent of the 30 year average of 137,000 AF.

  • Boysen Reservoir - Wind River April through July inflow to Boysen Reservoir is forecast at 650,000 AF, which is 122 percent of the 30 year average of 534,000 AF.

  • Bighorn Lake (Yellowtail Reservoir) - April through July inflow to Bighorn Lake is forecast at 1,646,700 AF, which is 154 percent of the 30 year average of 1,069,300 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