News Release Archive

Reclamation issues snowmelt forecast for Bighorn River Basin

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

For Release: January 20, 2021

BILLINGS, Mont. -- Reclamation's January 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 803,000 acre-feet (af), which is 64% of the 30-year average of 1,262,200 af.

Buffalo Bill Reservoir - Shoshone River April through July inflow to Buffalo Bill Reservoir is forecast at 675,000 af, which is 90% of the 30-year average of 749,000 af.

Boysen Reservoir - Wind River April through July inflow to Boysen Reservoir is forecast at 440,000 af, which is 71% of the 30-year average of 621,400 af.

Bull Lake Reservoir - April through July snowmelt runoff into Bull Lake Reservoir from Bull Lake Creek is expected to be 115,000 af, which is 80% of the 30-year average of 144,000 af.

Wind River – April through July snowmelt runoff into the Wind River above Bull Lake Creek is expected to be 330,000 af, which is 75% of the 30-year average of 437,600 af.

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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The Bureau of Reclamation is a federal agency under the U.S. Department of the Interior and is the nation's largest wholesale water supplier and second largest producer of hydroelectric power. Our facilities also provide substantial flood control, recreation opportunities, and environmental benefits. Visit our website at https://www.usbr.gov and follow us on Twitter @USBR; Facebook @bureau.of.reclamation; LinkedIn @Bureau of Reclamation; Instagram @bureau_of_reclamation; and YouTube @reclamation.