The Natural Resources Conservation Service in Idaho has released the February Water Supply Outlook Report for the 2023 water year (WY23).
BOISE, Idaho, February 7, 2023 - The Natural Resources Conservation Service in Idaho has released the February Water Supply Outlook Report for the 2023 water year (WY23).
Although January was a dry month with below normal snowfall north of the Snake River, increases in SWE (snow water equivalent) were measured at every SNOTEL site across Idaho. The snowpack is still above normal throughout Idaho except in the Panhandle and Clearwater basins where snowpack remains below normal.
“Water supply conditions differ across the state and could still change by the end of winter,” said Erin Whorton, Water Supply Specialist for USDA-NRCS Idaho. “Water supply conditions are favorable in the Boise River, Wood and Lost basins, and for Lake Owyhee and Bear Lake water users. Areas with low reservoir storage, like the upper Snake River, Salmon Falls, and Goose Creek basins need the snowpack to continue to increase to well above normal conditions to meet water supply demands this spring.”
Several soil moisture products indicate soil moisture is drier than normal in many parts of the state; notably drier areas include the Snake River headwaters, northern Idaho, and central Idaho extending south through the Wood basins. Many of these data products are showing below normal soil moisture at the ground surface and down into the root zone (3-feet depth). We are concerned these dry soils will lead to less runoff into reservoirs and streams this spring as the soil absorbs a portion of the snowmelt.
Current streamflow, snowpack, and precipitation data for Idaho can be accessed on the NRCS Idaho Snow Survey Webpage or on the interactive map.
For information on specific basins, streams, and reservoirs, please view the full report online at February Water Supply Outlook Report.
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