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Yakima Basin Water Supply - June Forecast Released
Media Contact:
Annette Ross, (208) 378-5322, 06/05/2014 13:26
Chuck Garner, cgarner@usbr.gov
For Release: June 05, 2014
YAKIMA, Wash. - The Bureau of Reclamation's June 2014 Total Water Supply Available forecast for the Yakima Basin indicates that there will be a full water supply for both senior and junior water rights this irrigation season.
"Although the precipitation in May was below average, the Yakima Basin reservoirs are full or nearly full and the mountains still have some high snow," said Chuck Garner, Yakima Project River Operations supervisor. "These conditions will provide an adequate water supply this season."
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 June TWSA forecast is based on flows, precipitation, snowpack, and reservoir storage as of June 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.
"Even though the Yakima Basin will have a full water supply, we could end the season with the lowest reservoir levels we've seen in the past eight years," said Garner. "Water saved through good irrigation practices could help keep a little more water in the reservoirs 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.
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