News Release Archive

Reclamation Issues Snowmelt Forecast for Bighorn River Basin

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

For Release: June 10, 2015

BILLINGS, Mont. -- Reclamation's June forecast for the April through July runoff predicted for the Bighorn Basin and North Platte is as follows:

  • Bighorn Lake - Bighorn River April through July inflow to Bighorn Lake is forecast at 1,469,300 af, which is 136 percent of the 30 year average of 1,081,600 af. Approximately 442,300 af of the forecasted amount flowed into Bighorn Lake during April and May, leaving 1,027,000 af of inflow forecasted for June and July.

  • Buffalo Bill Reservoir - Shoshone River April through July inflow to Buffalo Bill Reservoir is forecast at 650,000 af, which is 96 percent of the 30 year average of 678,000 af. Approximately 259,000 af of the forecasted amount flowed into Buffalo Bill during April and May, leaving 391,000 af of inflow forecasted for June through July.

  • Wind River - April through July snowmelt runoff into the Wind River above Bull Lake Creek is expected to be 400,000 af, which is 100 percent of the 30 year average of 402,000 af. Approximately 157,000 af of the forecasted amount was received during April and May, leaving 243,000 af of inflow forecasted for June through July.

  • Bull Lake Reservoir - April through July snowmelt runoff into Bull Lake Reservoir from Bull Lake Creek is expected to be 140,000 af, which is 102 percent of the 30 year average of 137,000 af. Approximately 35,000 af of the forecasted amount flowed into Bull Lake during April and May, leaving 105,000 af of inflow forecasted for June through July.

  • Boysen Reservoir - Wind River April through July inflow to Boysen Reservoir is forecast at 600,000 af, which is 112 percent of the 30 year average of 534,000 af. Approximately 237,000 af of the forecasted amount flowed into Boysen during April and May, leaving 363,000 af of inflow forecasted for June through July.

For additional information on Buffalo Bill, Boysen and Bull Lake reservoirs, contact Wyoming Area Manager Carlie Ronca 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