What an event it was that added much needed moisture to many Idaho rivers. Following is a statewide summary about the impacts of this early June Atmospheric River Event. This rain on snow event increased streamflow in many rivers across the state that will push recession flows out a bit.
Combining daily rainfall and snowmelt resulted in 2.5 to 3.0” of Total Runoff Available at a few SNOTEL sites. The cool May temps delayed snowmelt allowing snow to remain in higher elevations that provided a runoff boost with the falling rain.
What a storm it was – who do you thank ? Those benefiting include fish, wildlife, river runners, salmon flows, hydropower production and more. The streamflow boost created another flow increase that will keep recession flows higher longer. However, some basins missed the positive impacts from this event. See the following analysis to see why some rivers benefited while others continued with their downward recession trend.
Benefits include assisting with final fill of some reservoirs, delayed irrigation water use that may even result in better reservoir carryover storage for next year. Impacts include challenges for those on rapid rising rivers especially for those adventuring on the MF Salmon River and experiencing the New Velvet Rapid up close.
Snow Weather and Flow 