News Release Archive

Reclamation Releases Yakima Water Supply Forecast

Media Contact: John Redding, (208) 378-5212, jredding@pn.usbr.gov
Kate Puckett, kpuckett@pn.usbr.gov

For Release: June 08, 2004

The Bureau of Reclamation has just released the June 2004 forecast for irrigation water supply according to David Murillo, Yakima Project Manager. The June rationing estimate improved compared to the May estimate due to a combination of factors. May runoff came in a very orderly fashion allowing much of the water to be used or stored. In addition, the irrigation districts managed demands tightly in May and this improved the supply.

The June 2004 forecast indicates a full water supply for senior water right users and an 82 percent supply for junior water right users. The tight water supply will result in low carryover at the end of the 2004 season. Current system storage is 88 percent of capacity and 98 percent of average.

Specific water delivery levels will not be determined until about mid-month. In all conditions listed below, senior water rights holders would receive their full water supply. Estimated water supplies for junior (proratable) users are as follows:

Low estimate - 69 percent supply for junior users Most likely - 82 percent supply for junior users High estimate - 100 percent supply for junior users

The Bureau of Reclamation will announce the adopted rationing level when it is actually implemented. Irrigation districts and water users are urged to apply their own judgment in deciding which level of supply may be realized. Water demands requiring storage releases, even prior to storage control, may be charged to the users' total entitlement. The water supply can be improved through prudent use of water. Reservoir storage on June 7

Reservoir

Content (acre-ft)

Total Capacity % of Capacity Keechelus 134,211 157,800 85 Kachess 160,500 239,000 67 Cle Elum 409,279 436,900 94 Bumping 34,412 33,700 102 Rimrock 198,250 198,000 100 Totals 936,652 1,065,400 88

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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.