1-19 IAN Snowpack

SNOW SURVEY SHOWS GREAT START TO WATER YEAR

 Snow surveyors from the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) measured the snowpack around the state last week and results indicate Idaho is on track for an adequate water supply this year. 

Above normal fall moisture along with December’s storms is good news for the water supply forecast. Combined with near average reservoir carryover storage the water supply for this year looks promising.

NRCS conducts snow surveys at the end of each month from December through May to make snow runoff predictions and water supply forecasts used in managing Idaho’s water resources.

Here’s NRCS spokesperson Julie Koeberle: “The snowpacks across the state are average to above average, well above average in the South Southern Basin south of  the Snake River and the closer you get to Utah.”

Ron Abramovich, NRCS Water Supply Specialist. “The La Niña storm track dominating the weather this winter usually brings lots of moisture to the Pacific Northwest. So far this year the track is staying further south and that is affecting the snowpack in Idaho’s Panhandle.”

The Panhandle Region and Clearwater basin have the lowest snowpacks in the state ranging from 82-98%. “This La Nina pattern is expected to continue through mid-winter, so there is still time for the Pacific Northwest to get its due,” said Abramovich.