Little Snowpack Remains In West
May 12, 2015 Snowpack in the West has almost all melted, according to data from the fifth 2015 forecast by USDA’s National Resource Conservation Service (NRCS).
“Across most of the West, snowpack isn’t just low – it’s gone,” NRCS Hydrologist David Garen said. “With some exceptions, this year’s snowmelt streamflow has already occurred.”
Snowpack at many stations in the Western U.S. are at record or near record lows, says Garen. Unseasonably warm weather accelerated melt and hindered snowpack growth.
“We still have some snowpack in Northern Colorado, Western Montana, and Southern Wyoming,” said Garen. “In addition, snowmelt from Canada will flow into the Columbia River.”
Snowmelt is a vital part of some Western states’ water supply. Snowpack is an indication of future water availability. National Water and Climate Center scientists analyze the snowpack, precipitation, air temperature, and other measurements taken from remote sites to develop the water supply forecasts.
“It’s been a dry year for the Colorado River,” NRCS Hydrologist Cara McCarthy said. “Snowmelt inflow into the Lake Powell Reservoir is forecast at 34% of normal. We only forecast streamflow from current conditions. Spring and summer rains might relieve areas that are dry.”
The Lake Powell Reservoir supplies water to much of the Southwest, including Las Vegas, NV; Los Angeles, CA; and southern Arizona.
For more drought resources, visit USDA Disaster and Drought Information and NRCS’ drought resources.
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