Palouse Water Conservation Network

Idaho snowpack remains below average

		in Idaho water Published: Friday, 05 March 10 - 08:13 AM (GMT -08:00)

By Rocky BarkeR The Idaho Statesman Floaters, farmers and power users will see less water this summer unless Idaho's snowpack conditions change soon. Snow survey data collected last week across Idaho by the Natural Resources Conservation Service show near record low winter precipitation has resulted in meager snowpacks across the state that range from 55 to 75% of average. "The highest snowpacks are along the state's western and southern edges since they are affected by the major storms hitting the southwestern states," said Ron Abramovich, Water Supply specialist for NRCS. "That‚s the El Nino weather pattern - where the southwest gets above average snowfall and the Pacific Northwest is dry." Idah'‚s water supply comes from mountain snowpacks. The majority of reservoir inflows come from snowpacks above 6,000 in southern Idaho and above 4,500 feet in northern Idaho. Given the low snowpacks, runoff will be below normal across the state and irrigation water shortages are predicted in many central, southern and eastern Idaho basins. Two long-term snow measuring stations in the Upper Snake Basin in Yellowstone National Park are at the third lowest reading since records started in 1919. The snowpack in this area affects water supply all the way west to near Glenns Ferry. "February's mountain precipitation ranged from 30-55% of average, adding to below average amounts for November, December and January," said Abramovich. "Because of the low precipitation amounts, streamflow forecasts decreased from February predictions." Most reservoirs across the state are storing above average amounts for March 1. However, with well below average streamflow predicted for this summer, irrigation demand will draw down reservoirs to their minimal storage levels by summer's end and greatly increase the need for good snow next winter." "One last hope to salvage this year's water supply would be to receive a cool and wet spring," Abramovich added. "Above average precipitation and cool temperatures in April and May would delay snow melt, keeping the snowpack in the high country longer." rbarker@idahostatesman.com
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