Snowpack hopes melting

POST FALLS - Local spring runoff continues to be dismal as winter melts away in the mountains.

Streamflow forecasts for the St. Joe, Spokane and North Fork Coeur d'Alene rivers are about 50 percent of normal, according to the latest report by the Natural Resources Conservation Service.

"Water lovers may wish for above average March precipitation such as last year, but it doesn't look hopeful given the current storm track," the report states.

Idaho's water supply comes from mountain snowpacks. The majority of reservoir inflows come from snowpacks above 4,500 feet in North Idaho. Given the low snowpacks, runoff will be below normal across the state and irrigation water shortages may occur, said Ron Abramovich, NRCS water supply specialist.

"February's mountain precipitation ranged from 30-55 percent of average, adding to below-average amounts for November, December and January," Abramovich said. "Because of the low precipitation amounts, streamflow forecasts decreased from February predictions."

Most reservoirs across the state are storing above average amounts for March 1. However, with well below average streamflow predicted for this summer, irrigation demand will draw down reservoirs to their minimal storage levels by summer's end and greatly increase the need for good snow next winter.

"One last hope to salvage this year's water supply would be to receive a cool and wet spring," Abramovich said. "Above average precipitation and cool temperatures in April and May would delay snow melt, keeping the snowpack in the high country longer."

Lake Coeur d'Alene is still waiting for its first significant increase in inflow for the year from either rain or snowmelt, according to the report.