Yakima River Water Supply Forecast Indicates Mostly Full Water Supply

The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation has released their forecast for the Yakima River Basin’ water supply and it shows full availability for senior rights holders and a 96 percent supply for junior rights holders.

Yakima Field Office Manager Chad Stuart said it might seem like a very snowy winter because in the valleys it has been, but it’s a different story where the water supply comes from.

“In the mountains, we actually have a below average or just right around average at our snow sites. That is due to the fact that it has been so cold that the water content in the snow is just not built up.”

The forecast did not include the most recent snow storm that rumbled through the mountains this week, so the projections will likely adjust.

And Stuart said he’s hopeful about the future.

“Right now the forecast is looking good that we should be able to continue to build snow pack and build the total water supply available and with fingers crossed, hopefully get up to 100 percent.”

Forecasts will be released each month through July.

If you have a story idea for the Washington Ag Network, call (509) 547-1618, or e-mail krounce@cherrycreekradio.com.