Precipitation
MARCH PRECIPITATION HELPED IDAHO'S WATER SUPPLY REBOUND
Back–to-back months of above average precipitation across most of Idaho boosted the water supply outlook according to the April report released by the Idaho Natural Resources Conservation Service. March precipitation amounts ranged from 103% to 190% of normal.
Here's Ron Abramovich, Water Supply Specialist with the Idaho Natural Resources Conservation Service"The water year started with four dry months from October to January," said. "The water supply made an amazing recovery due to the February and March precipitation. However, despite good precipitation the last two months we are predicting water shortages in several areas. Predicted water supply shortages will occur in the Big Wood, Big Lost, Little Lost, Oakley, Owyhee, and Salmon Falls basins.
Higher elevations accumulated snow while lower elevations got rain. Abramovich notes the mid-elevation snowpack, between 5,000-6,000 feet, was lacking across central Idaho from Weiser in the west to Swan Valley in the east. The mid-elevation snows are important for rangeland and dryland farmers. The report notes that some reservoirs will fill because of adequate snowpack to feed them and others might fill depending on irrigation demand and runoff timing. Reservoirs in the drier parts of the state will not fill. As far as streamflow forecasts Abramovich said "the variability across our region is amazing this year."
