Long-term drought concerns after latest snowpack update

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) - New concerns over Idaho's water supply outlook after the latest report from the Natural Resources Conservation Service. The big picture message from the report is that Idaho is heading into a difficult water year.

The state's snowpack peaked at 68% of normal this year. That is one of the lowest on record since they began taking measurements in the 1930's. The snowpack also peaked on March 17, that is about three weeks earlier than usual.

The record temperatures in March has added to the tough situation. In just a month, the Snake River in Heise saw its streamflow forecast drop by a million acre-feet. Around 25% of the snowpack had already melted away by April 1. Having the little snow that did fall melt sooner will lead to a shorter runoff season.

Nearby Upper Snake sub-basins are also looking bleak. Henry's Fork and Teton Basin are both severely dry. Some areas are approaching historic drought levels.

Irrigation in the area will be impacted with demand likely exceeding the natural flow much earlier than usual. This could be especially problematic for users without reservoir storage and those without groundwater backup.

The next month could be critical for this years outlook. If the warm and dry spring continues, there will be low summer river levels and officials warn there could be no recovery for the streamflow. Users are strongly recommended to plan on using the the 70% or 90% forecasts to decrease their risk of running out of water.

See the full report here.

The next meeting to update the outlook is tentatively scheduled for May 20.