Weekly conditions update, 6/1/2026:
• Storms over the weekend boosted annual precipitation back to normal for the date.
• Current SWE is 1.9 inches compared to 6.1 inches on average for the date. Only four out 22 SNOTEL stations in the watershed are still reporting snow on the ground.
• Last week’s warm temperatures and rapid melt were enough to produce new peak streamflow on the Buffalo Fork, Gros Ventre, and Flat Creek. The response in all other gaged tributaries was not enough to beat May 14th’s peak. Historically, most gages record peak streamflow around June 8th, so this year’s peak is 1-4 weeks earlier than average.
• Streamflow at the Snake River near Alpine gage reached a new seasonal peak on 5/31 with a daily average of 14,100 cfs.
• Jackson Lake is 96% full. Between May 17-22, outflow from the dam increased to 4,000 cfs. As streamflow above the reservoir responded to rapid melt, Jackson has filled an additional 8,000 acre-feet since Thursday.
• Palisades outflow is just above 13,000 cfs and the reservoir remains 39% full thanks to high tributary streamflow. As streamflow recedes, the reservoir levels will once again continue to drop.
As we approach the end of spring snowmelt, we will begin reporting water quality conditions. If you have suggestions or requests for what you would like to see, reach out to Sarah Newcomb at sarah.newcomb@tu.org.