News Release Archive

Yakima Basin Water Supply - May Forecast Released

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

For Release: May 05, 2014

YAKIMA, Wash. - The Bureau of Reclamation’s May 2014 Total Water Supply Available forecast for the Yakima Basin indicates there will be a full water supply for both senior and junior water rights this coming irrigation season.

"Precipitation in the basin’s mountains has been above average the last three months and has more than made up the deficit we were facing at the end of January," said Chuck Garner, Yakima Project River Operations supervisor. "The reservoirs are in a good position to fill and the unregulated runoff should meet most of the water demands well into June."

Reclamation will issue water supply forecasts monthly through July. Specific water delivery levels will not be determined until later in the year after reservoir storage begins to decline.

The May TWSA forecast is based on flows, precipitation, snowpack, and reservoir storage as of May 1, along with estimates of future precipitation and river flows. Other future weather conditions that help determine the timing of the run-off and the demand for water are also critical in determining streamflows, prorationing, and reservoir storage.

"We are looking forward to a full water supply for all users," said Chuck Garner. "The snowmelt timing, the summer weather, and the irrigation demands are still important unknown factors that can influence stream flow levels and the carry-over storage at the end of the season." Garner recommends that irrigators always consider practices that conserve water.

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