Snowpack levels look strong in eastern Idaho

Most of Idaho should be in a strong position for the coming summer irrigation season, thanks to heavy precipitation and cold temperatures in December and January. The Idaho Water Resource Board reports snow-water equivalent readings for the Upper Snake region were at 140 percent of normal for the Snake River above Palisades Reservoir and 133 percent of normal in the Henry’s Fork Basin. Hydrologist David Hoekema told the Idaho Water Resources Board Thursday that snowpack should help fill Palisades and Island Park reservoirs and other storage reservoirs downstream. “We had very low natural flows on some streams by last fall, so it’s very good we’re accumulating snow in the Upper Snake,” said Hoekema. Palisades was still only 35 percent full as of Tuesday. Jackson Lake was 65 percent full and American Falls was 63 percent full this week. Other snow-water equivalent readings included: 171 percent of normal in the Bear River Basin, 123 percent in the Boise, 104 percent in the Payette, 137 percent in the Big Wood, 116 percent in the Weiser, 84 percent in the Clearwater, and 77 percent in the Spokane. Hoekema said the Owyhee River Basin was at 170 percent of normal, which should provide enough water for irrigators this summer.