News Release Archive

North Platte River Basin Snowmelt Runoff Forecast

Media Contact: John Lawson, (307) 261-5671, 05/03/2005 20:10
Mark Andersen, mandersen@gp.usbr.gov

For Release: May 03, 2005

The Wyoming Area Office of the Bureau of Reclamation in Mills, Wyoming, has prepared snowmelt runoff forecasts for the North Platte River Basin, according to John H. Lawson, Wyoming Area Manager. The May 1 forecast of the spring snowmelt runoff is below normal for the North Platte River Basin.

Total expected April through July runoff in the North Platte Basin above Glendo Dam is expected to be 505,000 acre feet (AF) or 56% of the 30 year average of 897,000 AF. Approximately 403,000 AF (57% of average) of the runoff is expected to enter Seminoe Reservoir (of which 103,000 AF was received in April), with an additional 63,000 AF (97% of average) being provided to Pathfinder Reservoir from the Sweetwater River (of which 13,000 AF was received in April), and the balance of 39,000 AF (31% of average) coming from the basin between Pathfinder Reservoir and Glendo Reservoir (of which 9,000 AF was received in April).

The water in storage for delivery to North Platte Project contractors as of April 30th is 434,511 AF or 59% of average. The Bureau of Reclamation is advising North Platte Project water users that an allocation of the water supply is expected. With reservoir storage well below average and below average inflow forecasted for April through July of this year, water users will need to take measures to conserve the available water supply.

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Relevant Link:

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