News Release Archive

Yakima Basin Water Supply - April Forecast Released

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

For Release: April 06, 2015

YAKIMA, Wash. - The Bureau of Reclamation's April 2015 Total Water Supply Available forecast for the Yakima Basin indicates a full water supply for senior water rights during the 2015 irrigation season, but an estimated 60 percent supply for junior water rights.

"Snow conditions were worse during March, but reservoir storage improved," said Chuck Garner, Yakima Project River Operations supervisor. "All of the Yakima Basin reservoirs are full and we see some positive weather forecasts that show snowpack building a bit. If they are correct, then the small existing snowpack along with this new snow will be reserved for later runoff."

Reclamation will issue water supply forecasts monthly at least through July. Specific water delivery levels will be determined later in the spring when natural flows can no longer meet Yakima system demands and Yakima Project reservoir storage is released for irrigation demands.

The April TWSA forecast is based on flows, precipitation, snowpack, and reservoir storage as of April 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 the extent to which the reservoirs fill.

"The weather conditions this spring will influence the snow in the hills, the flows for fish, and the demands by irrigation. We hope conditions work together to keep the reservoirs full well into May," Garner said.

In the event that spring precipitation and runoff are unfavorable, Reclamation expects the water supply available for junior users to decline. Since longer term weather conditions are unpredictable, Garner recommends that water conservation be considered by all users in the Yakima Basin.

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