News Release Archive

Snowmelt Runoff Forecast - North Platte River Basin

Media Contact: John H. Lawson, (307) 261-5671, jlawson@gp.usbr.gov
Mark Andersen, mandersen@gp.usbr.gov

For Release: May 02, 2003

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 850,000 acre feet (AF) or 88% of the 30 year average of 967,700 AF. Approximately 685,000 AF (90% of average) of the runoff is expected to enter Seminoe Reservoir (of which 65,000 AF was received in April), with an additional 30,000 AF (43% of average) being provided to Pathfinder Reservoir from the Sweetwater River (of which 7,000 AF was received in April), and the balance of 135,000 AF (95% of average) coming from the basin between Pathfinder Reservoir and Glendo Reservoir (of which 44,000 AF was received in April).

The water in storage for delivery to North Platte Project contractors is 279,031 AF or 36% of average for this time of year. This is the lowest end of April North Platte Ownership for the last 30 years. The Bureau of Reclamation is advising North Platte Project water users that there may be a need for an allocation, based on existing data.

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