Low snow means low flows in these basins. Hopefully more weather moves in during the month of May
Author: Ron Abramovich
ABOUT ME Ron Abramovich is a retired Idaho Water Supply Specialist who still watches the snow, weather and flow.
MF & Salmon Snow2Flow Update
Here’s an update looking at remaining snow, snowmelt, volume forecasts and similar runoff years. We’ll see a decrease in melt and flows with cooler front moving in, but melt and flows are projected to rebound later this week with return to high pressure, that will hopefully move on sooner than later…
Bruneau, Owyhee & Salmon Falls Snow2Flow
With below normal precipitation April 1-24 across the state and little expected in next 7 days, streamflow volumes are decreasing from April 1 release. The Owyhee River has peaked from snowmelt and remaining snow will help sustain flows. Remaining snow in Bruneau and Salmon Falls basins will produce another another flow increase. Future snowmelt rates and weather will determine if next flow increase exceeds the previous peaks already seen.
Owyhee Update !
Remaining snow will help to sustain flows… how long – here are a few similar runoff volumes and recession years. With little weather on the horizon, current snow melt from warm days and freezing nights is ideal.
Bogus Basin & Brundage Reservoir Apr 1 SWE
Ever wonder and wander like me… about how times Bogus has had more snow than Brundage? This year and last year made me wonder more. It happened in back-to-back years like 2023 & 2024 and 1945 & 1946 and a few more. The answer is 12 !
Owyhee! Let it Flow!!
Here’s an update for the Owyhee based on current snow, flow projections and more weather moving in this week and next. It’s nice to look at big picture to see what’s happening around this tri-state basin.
Idaho Whitewater Association River Predictions
Snow & Flow Summary for many of Idaho’s whitewater rivers. Current snow, water supply forecasts, analog snow years, and runoff examples for these years. Example runoff years used, illustrate a early to normal snow melt and a late melt that had a wet spring (2010). Also included, is bonus sneak peak at next winter, the year after a strong El Nino year like this year. Here’s an updated March weather slide from Cliff Mass Blog that shows high pressure is likely to move into the West March 13-20. This may start the lower elevation rivers to flow depending on air temperature levels.
Idaho Hay & Forage Talk
Current snow & water supply summary across the state with more details for Upper Snake, Boise and Payette basins.
Snow Weather and Flow 