Most Of Idaho Enjoying A Strong Start To Water Year

While much of the snowpack across Idaho is looking good, there is reason for concern.  Erin Whorton, NRCS Idaho, said many of the basins have already reported strong snowpack numbers, with some regions 100%, 140%, even 200% for this time of year.  Unfortunately, many of the basins in the eastern portion of the state have not seen the heavy snowfall reported across the rest of the state.  Whorton said as of right now, the Henrys Fork-Teton, Bear and the Upper Snake River are between 65%-78% of average. 

“These reservoir systems provide about 4.3 million acre-feet of water [for farmers across southern Idaho].  And we had a carryover a little below normal.  When compared to last year, the region is about 200,000 acre-feet short from last year.  And so, we need the snowpack to make up that difference and supply the irrigation water to the really big agricultural area in Idaho.” 

Whorton was quick to point out that it’s early in the water year, so it’s not time to panic.  She added, outside of the eastern portion of the state, snowpacks across the rest of Idaho look really good, which she said is reason to celebrate.

“It's great to have our snowpack build so early in the year. We've had some ski resorts open that's all looking good.  But it is too early to really know;  we’ll have to wait till April 1st and make our final judgment of how this snowpack turned out this year.  So, it is early but, why not celebrate a good snowpack at the beginning?” 

The basin with the strongest snowpack is the Owyhee, which is at 229% of average, while the Upper Snake River has the thinnest pack, at only 65% of average for this time of year.  Whorton added the expectation is La Nina will develop in the Pacific this year, which could result in wetter conditions meaning a good snowpack for the area.

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