News Release Archive

Reclamation Issues Snowmelt Forecast for Bighorn River Basin

Media Contact: Tyler Johnson, (406) 247-7609, 06/14/2018 00:00

For Release: June 14, 2018

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

• Yellowtail Reservoir - The April through July inflow to Yellowtail Reservoir forecast has been increased to 2,174,500 af, which would be 187 percent of the 30 year average of 1,165,700 af. Approximately 1,048,300 af of the forecast volume was accumulated in April and May, which is 231 percent of the April-May average, and second highest volume during that time-frame for the reservoir.

• Buffalo Bill Reservoir - The April through July inflow to Buffalo Bill Reservoir forecast has been increased to 1,250,000 af, which would be 177 percent of the 30 year average of 704,400 af. Approximately 527,823 af of the forecast volume was accumulated in April and May, which is 277 percent of the April-May average, and a record volume during that time-frame for the reservoir.

• Boysen Reservoir - The April through July inflow to Boysen Reservoir forecast has been increased to 950,000 af, which would be 164 percent of the 30 year average of 577,700 af. Approximately 428,956 af of the forecast volume was accumulated in April and May, which is 242 percent of the April-May average, and second highest volume during that time-frame for the reservoir.

• Bull Lake Reservoir - The April through July inflow to Bull Lake Reservoir from Bull Lake Creek forecast is 160,000 af, which would be 114 percent of the 30 year average of 140,400 af. Approximately 54,075 af of the forecast volume was accumulated in April and May, which is 165 percent of the April-May average, and second highest volume during that time-frame for the reservoir.

• Wind River - The April through July discharge volume forecast for the Wind River above Bull Lake Creek has been increased to 650,000 af, which would be 156 percent of the 30 year average of 416,300 af. Approximately 306,011 af of the forecast volume was accumulated during April and May, which is 263 percent of the April-May average.

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 Steve Davies 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