Spring Snowpack Totals: Scary

[restrac2000]

Ugliest I have seen in my time in the west (10 years). Evidently this is like 2002 when I wasn't in Utah. Sounds like the winds have sublimated much of the snowpack water on top of a weak winter. Wishing I was in Northern Idaho for the season.

[BruteForce]

Meanwhile, AK is getting record snow-fall. That's just the way the cycle works.

[double moo]

http://www.ksl.com/index.php?sid=134181&nid=149

[DesertDuke]

A bit of a broader view:

http://www.wcc.nrcs.usda.gov/ftpref/...2/snow1204.gif

[jman]

It's gonna be a hot hot hot hot hot hot summer that's for sure. Here's hoping to lots of rain this year :)

[Byron]

It's the end of the world...we're all gonna die.

[restrac2000]

Meanwhile, AK is getting record snow-fall. That's just the way the cycle works.

From what I understand this isn't a common cycle even for a relatively dry year in the intermountain west. Much of the data is shocking if you look at the difference between snow depth and snow water equivalent. The winds this year have been unusual in the amount of sublimation and correlated water loss. Parts of the SW Colorado mountains have been experiencing 5% water loss per day.

As for the good side....it not just Alaska. Oregon, Washington and Idaho are all average or above average this year. Heck, the Rogue basin just got 10 inches of moisture in many of its basins and tribs.

Could be hard for many municipalities and local economies. Take the Arkansas River basin. Its the most popular whitewater run in the nation considering pure numbers. They have a recreational/economic dam release contract that isn't likely to be usable this year. We are talking millions of dollars alone for that one section of river. That doesn't include the smaller basins that rely on shuttle companies, outfitters, gas stations and grocery stores that outfit trips across Utah and Colorado that are likely to be canceled this year.

Or the wildfire season that will stress federal budgets. Tight water schedules along the Denver front range.

I am sure its happened before but that doesn't make easier for anyone dealing with its realities. Folks will obviously weather it out (drum roll) but I still have sympathy for these regions. And myself.....less time on the river this season

Phillip

[Sombeech]

Pineview is open, get yer boats de-winterized!

[Scott Card]

I would be more concerned if this were the 2nd or 3rd year in a row. I think our water managers in Utah have done a great job. Seems like all the major bodies of water are full or mostly full right now. (Haven't looked at Powell). I am not too concerned right now as we have no clue what the Spring or Summer will bring.