The Natural Resources Conservation Service in Idaho has released the June Water Supply Outlook Report for the 2022 Water Year (WY).
A cold and wet spring has improved water supply across Idaho by increasing natural streamflow, delaying and/or diminishing irrigation deliveries and postponing mountain snowpack melting. Much of Idaho is still in drought and water supply will continue to be limited this irrigation season.
“The cold, wet spring continued to slow down how quickly the snowpack is melting,” said Erin Whorton, Hydrologist-Water Supply Specialist for NRCS Snow Survey. “All SNOTEL sites not previously melted out recorded a decrease in snow-water equivalent during May.”
Water supply conditions have improved since the April 1 assessment. The wet spring conditions have increased natural flow in the rivers, increased runoff into reservoirs, have improved soil moisture conditions and in some places, have delayed or decreased irrigation deliveries.
Streamflow, snowpack, and precipitation data for each basin can be accessed on the https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/detail/id/snow/waterproducts/
For information on specific basins, streams, and reservoirs, please view the full report online at https://www.wcc.nrcs.usda.gov/ftpref/support/states/ID/wy2022/wsor/borid622.pdf.