Snowpack, precipitation up in the Basin

By Ty Beaver

H&N's Staff Writer

January 31, 2008

   The Klamath Basin ’s snowpack and precipitation are 109 and 112 percent of average, respectively, so far this year, said Cecil Lesley, chief of water and lands for the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation. 

   It’s still early, but Lesley said the Bureau of Reclamation is expecting an average water year thanks to winter weather. 

   “We need to continue to get precipitation,” he said. 

   Precipitation for the area was high since October after heavy rains soaked the region before t he ground froze. Snowpack has been building since mid-December as strong storms have swept in. 

   The Bureau is expecting a more up-to-date forecast for February next week, but Lesley indicated that above average precipitation is already expected. 

   A lot can still happen, though, he added. Flows from underground springs are below average and continued precipitation is needed to meet average snowpack needs. Continued cold temperatures would help preserve snowpack through more of the spring and early summer.

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