Noel Mues, Extension Educator
University of Nebraska-Lincoln Extension Furnas County
The Wyoming Area Office of the Bureau of Reclamation in Mills, Wyoming, has prepared snowmelt runoff forecasts for the North Platte River Basin. The April 1st forecast of the spring snowmelt runoff for the North Platte Basin is above average for the North Platte Basin above Seminoe Reservoir and the Sweetwater River above Pathfinder Reservoir. The forecast for the reach between Pathfinder and Glendo Reservoir is below average.
Total expected April through July runoff in the North Platte Basin above Glendo Dam is expected to be 1,030,000 acre feet (AF) or 116% of the 30 year average of 888,000 AF. Approximately 875,000 AF (125% of average) of the runoff is expected to enter Seminoe Reservoir with an additional 65,000 AF (103% of average) being provided to Pathfinder Reservoir from the Sweetwater River, and the balance of 90,000 AF (73% of average) coming from the basin between Pathfinder Reservoir and Glendo Reservoir.
The water in storage for delivery to North Platte Project contractors is 617,000 AF or 97% of average. Although the forecast for the North Platte Basin inflows is above average, the forecast could change dramatically over the next couple months depending on precipitation conditions. Reclamation continues to encourage water conservation in planning for the upcoming season.
Reservoir water levels as compared to one year ago:
March 4, 2010 March 4, 2009
Acre Feet at 100% % Active % Active
Reservoir Conservation Pool Conservation Pool Conservation Pool
Seminoe 1,022,800 67% 50%
Pathfinder 1,009,700 72% 39%
Glendo 517,300 63% 58%
McConaughy 1,744,200 65% 48%
© 2008-2012 agNET. All rights reserved
