Low Snow Levels Mean Shortages for Idaho Irrigators

TWIN FALLS, Idaho(Times News)- After three months of low snowfall, Idaho water users may face shortages by the end of summer. According to a monthly water report, most of Idaho has failed to receive the amount of snowstorms needed to refresh its limited water supply.

Water supply specialist with the U.S. Natural Resources Conservation Service Ron Abramovich tells the Times News there’s been a range of precipitation around the state. He says central Idaho didn’t get the snow that north Idaho did. The report showed that water for surface irrigation should be adequate for Big Lost, Big Wood, Little Wood, and Snake River water users. Shortages are expected for Magic and Salmon Falls irrigators.

Because of low stream flows, reservoirs will near minimum levels by the end of summer, he said. This could mean that it is unlikely reservoirs will have carryover for next year, making snowfall critical for 2014. Abramovich says overall, with a low snowpack, water users shouldn’t rely on Mother Nature to provide heavy precipitation for the rest of spring.