Snowpack

Here is a weekly update on Idaho snowpack and projected water supply from David Hoekema, IDWR hydrologist and chair of the Idaho Water Supply Committee. Snowpack has declined a little in northern Idaho as the spring snowmelt appears to have begun in the lower elevations.  Warm temperatures over the next two days may result in some flooding along Paradise Creek in northern Idaho and the Owyhee and Malheur, and Weiser rivers on the Western Snake River Plain.  While the Owyhee basin saw a surge in runoff last Monday, new snow came into southern Idaho last week, south of the Snake River Plain, pushing up snowpack levels significantly.  The rest of the state remained fairly dry with the percentiles dropping this week.  However, the next 10-days should continue to remain active starting on Wednesday with precipitation well above climatology for most of the state through next weekend and out about 10-days.  Next weekend should be a good time to go skiing!!

 

Current Statewide Snowpack Description:

104% of median for 3/10

50th percentile for 3/10

90% of median peak snowpack (typically peaks in early April)

 

Flood control operations are in full swing across eastern Oregon with 2,500 cfs being released from Owyhee Reservoir this morning.  There are still no releases below Milner or flood control operations on the Boise River.  Flow below Cascade Reservoir was increased from 200 cfs to 800 cfs on March 3rd last week.