News Release Archive

Reclamation issues snowmelt forecast for Bighorn River Basin

Media Contact: Tyler Johnson, 406-247-7609, tjohnson@usbr.gov

For Release: May 10, 2019

BILLINGS, Montana – Reclamation's May forecast of the April through July runoff predicted for the Bighorn Basin is as follows:

  • Bighorn Lake - Bighorn River April through July inflow to Bighorn Lake is forecast to be approximately 1,037,100 acre-feet (af), which is 85% of the 30-year average of 1,221,200 af. Approximately 185,500 af of the forecast volume was accumulated during April, which is 109% of the April average.
  • Buffalo Bill Reservoir - Shoshone River April through July inflow to Buffalo Bill Reservoir is forecast at 770,000 af, which is 105% of the 30-year average of 734,600 af. Approximately 56,200 af of the forecast volume was accumulated during April, which is 120% of the April average.
  • Boysen Reservoir - Wind River April through July inflow to Boysen Reservoir is forecast at 575,000 af, which is 95% of the 30-year average of 603,300 af. Approximately 65,100 af of the forecast volume was accumulated during April, which is 132% of the April average.
  • 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 98% of the 30-year average of 143,200 af. Approximately 6,400 af of the forecast volume was accumulated during April, which is 153% of the April average.
  • Wind River – April through July snowmelt runoff into the Wind River above Bull Lake Creek is expected to be 435,000 af, which is 100% of the 30-year average of 435,000 af. Approximately 32,900 af of the forecast volume was accumulated during April, which is 132% of the April 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.