- Reclamation
- News & Multimedia
- News Releases
- News Release Archive
- Yakima Basin Water Supply July Forecast
News Release Archive
Yakima Basin Water Supply July Forecast
Media Contact:
Michael Williamson, (208) 378-5212, 07/07/2016 14:19
Chuck Garner, cgarner@usbr.gov
For Release: July 07, 2016
YAKIMA, Washington - The Bureau of Reclamation’s July 2016 Total Water Supply Available forecast for the Yakima Basin indicates a full water supply for senior water rights during the 2016 irrigation season, but an estimated 90 percent supply for junior water rights.
This forecast is based on flows, precipitation, snowpack, and reservoir storage data as of July 1, along with assumptions regarding future precipitation and river flows. Other future weather conditions that determine the timing of the run-off and the demand for water are also critical in determining streamflow, prorationing, and the extent to which the reservoirs’ storage is used.
Reclamation provides water supply forecasts monthly, March through at least July.
“The Yakima project started using stored reservoir water to help meet downstream system demands on June 11, about two weeks earlier than normal. We expect low end-of-season reservoir levels this year with the below average runoff and the early usage of stored water,” Garner said.
Summer conditions can have an effect on the eventual water supply realized. 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.
# # #
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:
