Weekly conditions update:
· Across the Snake River Headwaters, only 39% of this year’s below-average peak snow water equivalent remains on the ground, compared to 70% on average. Warm temperatures this week will rapidly melt remaining high-elevation snow.
· Following several fairly dry weeks, total water year precipitation has dropped to 98% of average.
· Streamflow in gaged tributaries continues to rise in response to melt. Streamflow at Pacific Creek, Buffalo Fork, and the Snake River at Flagg Ranch is above-average for the date due to early and rapid melt of mid- and high-elevation snow.
· Starting on May 5th, outflow from Jackson increased from the winter target of 280 to 1,300 cfs. Mean daily streamflow at Flagg Ranch last week was 2,975 cfs, so despite an increase in outflow, Jackson continues to fill. The reservoir is currently 90% full.
· Palisades outflow increased slightly to 12,700 cfs. The reservoir is currently 42% full.
To learn more, join the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation for the annual Jackson Lake Operations Public Information Meeting on May 14th at 1:30 pm at Teton County Library. A virtual option is available, reach out to Sarah Newcomb (sarah.newcomb@tu.org) for more information and the meeting link.
Data are from NRCS SNOTEL, US Geological Survey, US Bureau of Reclamation, and the National Weather Service.