We are expecting a near normal water supply at this time, said Chuck Garner, Yakima Project River Operations supervisor. "The March 2009 forecast indicates a full water supply for all water users."

As of March 1, system storage was 76 percent full and 138 percent of average.

The reservoir storage is well above average but the current snowpack is lagging behind the average. We expect the snowmelt runoff to be sufficient to fill the reservoirs and help provide for some of this seasons demands. If spring precipitation and runoff are unfavorable we may have a below average but adequate supply, Garner said.

At this time both junior and senior water rights holders are expected to receive their full water supply. Specific water delivery levels will not be determined until later in the year.

The weather conditions that determine precipitation, the run-off timing, and demand for water are critical in determining whether the reservoirs fill, the amount of water available for irrigation, and possible rationing levels. If warm weather prompts an early snowmelt run-off and dry conditions prevail the situation could worsen.

Water demands requiring storage releases, even prior to storage control, may be charged to the users total entitlement.

Reservoir storage on March 1, 2009 Reservoir Content (acre-ft) Total Capacity percent of Capacity Keechelus 126,938 157,800 80% Kachess 209,462 239,000 88% Cle Elum 318,730 436,900 73% Bumping 12,740 33,700 38% Rimrock 139,342 198,000 70% Totals 807,212 1,065,400 76%