News Release Archive

Yakima Basin Water Supply - Mid-April Forecast Released

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

For Release: April 21, 2015

YAKIMA, Wash. - The Bureau of Reclamation is releasing a mid-April 2015 Total Water Supply Available forecast for the Yakima Basin because of the decline in reservoir storage and low stream flows. The TWSA indicates a full water supply for senior water rights during the 2015 irrigation season, but an estimated 54 percent supply for junior water rights. Reclamation will issue water supply forecasts monthly or as needed at least through July.

"The weather conditions forced us to use storage to meet demands starting April 15," said Chuck Garner, Yakima Project River Operations supervisor. "We had hoped conditions would favor full reservoirs into May and a later start of prorationing."

The mid-April TWSA forecast is based on flows, precipitation, snowpack, and reservoir storage as of April 15, 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 stream flows, prorationing, and reservoir storage.

"The record low snowpack, the cold weather and the low amount of April precipitation caused a decline in the natural flows as well as a decline in the water supply and prorationing," said Garner.

Unfavorable spring weather could further reduce prorationing while favorable conditions could improve it. 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