Snowmelt Rates – Why Rivers Rise

On May 19, 2023 By Ron AbramovichLeave a comment

Ahh springtime in the Mountains! Everyone sings about weather… Riders on the Storm, Let it Snow, Mr. Blue Sky, Hello Sunshine, Purple Rain, Thunderstruck, Lightnin Strikes, Dust in the Wind, Rock You Like a Hurricane, Rainy Day Women… but only a few songs are about Snowmelt Rates. Maybe because the sound of melting snow is soothing, calming and relaxing.

It took Mother Nature 6 months to build our winter mountain snowpack and will gradually melt the snow in only 2 months in the spring! We know our summers are going to be dry and this is what makes life in the West life so unique. Because our summers are so dry makes us love our snow even more. See full summary below.

snowmelt-rate-summary Download

Big Lost & Big Wood Rivers Snow2Flow Update

On May 16, 2023 By Ron AbramovichLeave a comment

It’s almost time for a road trip to find the the Big Lost White Stallion ! Warming day time temps and above freezing nighttime temps will keep the snow melting 24 hours a day.

snow-flow-big-lost-wood-16may2023 Download

Lochsa & Selway Snow2Flow Update

On May 15, 2023May 15, 2023 By Ron Abramovich1 Comment

It’s peak season time for the Lochsa & Selway Rivers. Peaking nearly a month earlier than last year because of the cool, wet spring in 2022.

snow-flow-lochsa-and-selway-15may2023-1 Download

Bruneau Snow & Flow Update

On May 11, 2023 By Ron AbramovichLeave a comment

Here’s a short update, just dont tell Mike… The Bruneau is unique place, lets keep it that way. There’s enough snow to produce another increase, but the wild card are the extended period of hot temps. I didn’t look to see how much if any rain fell in May 2006 that added to flow increase.

snow-flow-bruneau-update-11may2023 Download

MF & Salmon Rivers Snow to Flow Update

On May 11, 2023 By Ron AbramovichLeave a comment

The heat is on and will increase snow melt rates from higher elevations that are now feeding the streams. Following are similar snow years and resulting streamflow with comparisons to this year’s volume forecasts.

snow-flow-mf-and-salmon-10may2023 Download

Salmon Falls Creek Snow to Flow Update

On May 10, 2023 By Ron AbramovichLeave a comment

Usually need at least 500 CFS to float the creek. Becomes more of an adventure with less and faster with more.

snow-flow-salmon-falls-ck-update-10may2023 Download

Teton River Snow to Flow Update

On May 8, 2023 By Ron AbramovichLeave a comment

Always fun using Grand Targhee and Philips Bench SNOTEL sites to predict Teton River’s peak flow even though peak wont happen until mid-June.

teton-snow-flow-update-8may2023 Download

Bogus Basin Snow Summary for the 2022/23 Season

On May 5, 2023 By Ron AbramovichLeave a comment

The winter of 2022 – 2023 will be a winter to remember. Here’s a summary of the history of the Bogus Basin snow sites that are used to compare this year’s snowfall to the historic data, and the 113 inches of record setting depth of snow measured on the ground March 30, 2023.

bogus-basin-snowfall-summary-for-winter-2022-23 Download

May 3 – Snow 2 Flow Update for Southern Idaho Rivers

On May 4, 2023 By Ron AbramovichLeave a comment

Update for Owyhee, Weiser, Camas, Salmon Falls, Bruneau, Boise & Big Wood

For complete Snow to Flow Relationships see:

Snow Melt / Peak Streamflow Relationships (PDF; 146 KB) – Report by Kara Ferguson (2017) summarizing the relationship between snowmelt and peak streamflow timing on rivers throughout Idaho.

From https://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/wcc/home/quicklinks/states/idaho/watersupply/peak

And NWS peak flow products and forecasts:

Peak Flow and Stage Forecasts from NWS

Know your boating limits as rivers will be high for an extended period.

flow-update-3may2023 Download

Snow & Flow Update for Apr 12

On April 12, 2023April 13, 2023 By Ron Abramovich1 Comment

Following are several graphs illustrating current snow levels and similar years along with resulting runoff. The Owyhee – based on snow2flow relationship just had a snowmelt peak. More rain and warmer temps will produce more peaks. Weiser – always interesting watching the Weiser River react to current conditions as we wait and watch to try to figure out how the higher elevation basins in the state will flow. Camas Creek lots of snow to melt. Bruneau is looking good along with Salmon Falls Creek. Is Banner Summit reaching its peak? Time will tell and then we’ll see how headwaters snow melts and the mighty Salmon River responds. Be safe and know your boating limits.