News Release Archive

Reclamation issues snowmelt forecast for Bighorn River Basin

Media Contact: Tyler Johnson, 406-247-7609 , tjohnson@usbr.gov

For Release: June 10, 2020

BILLINGS, MONTANA -- Reclamation's June forecast of the April through July runoff predicted for the Bighorn River Basin is as follows:

Bighorn Lake - Bighorn River April through July inflow to Bighorn Lake is forecast to be approximately 968,000 acre-feet (af), which is 77% of the 30-year average of 1,256,400 af. Approximately 524,000 af of the forecast volume was accumulated during April and May, which is 108% of the April-May average.

Buffalo Bill Reservoir - Shoshone River April through July inflow to Buffalo Bill Reservoir is forecast at 750,000 af, which is 101% of the 30-year average of 742,600 af. Approximately 282,000 af of the forecast volume was accumulated during April and May, which is 121% of the April and May average.

Boysen Reservoir - Wind River April through July inflow to Boysen Reservoir is forecast at 475,000 af, which is 77% of the 30-year average of 617,400 af. Approximately 160,700 af of the forecast volume was accumulated during April and May, which is 83% of the April and May average.

Bull Lake Reservoir - April through July inflow into Bull Lake Reservoir from Bull Lake Creek is expected to be 115,000 af, which is 80% of the 30-year average of 143,800 af. Approximately 29,300 af of the forecast volume was accumulated during April and May, which is 87% of the April and May average.

Wind River – April through July inflow into the Wind River above Bull Lake Creek is expected to be 450,000 af, which is 103% of the 30-year average of 437,900 af. Approximately 134,650 af of the forecast volume was accumulated during April and May, which is 113% of the April and May average.

For additional information on Buffalo Bill, Boysen, and Bull Lake Reservoirs, contact Wyoming Area Manager Carlie Ronca at 307-261-5671. For additional information on Yellowtail Reservoir, contact Montana Area Manager Steve Davies at 406-247-7298.

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