The extremely dry weather experienced over the winter and early spring in the local region was also experienced in the mountain ranges of Wyoming and Colorado. This is monitored very closely by Central as snowmelt is one major factor that affects flows into Lake McConaughy.
The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation’s April forecast shows that spring water runoff from mountain snowmelt in the North Platte River Basin above Glendo Dam is expected to be well below average this year. Snowpack is well below average and the Upper North Platte River Basin is in severe drought. From April through July, total runoff is expected to reach approximately 140,000 acre-feet, which is only 15% of the 30-year average. Snowpack and runoff started about 30 days earlier than normal, with a snow water equivalent to approximately 9-10 inches less than normal.
However, Lake McConaughy being at near 50% capacity is holding 865,000 acre-feet of water and Central customers can expect a full irrigation supply in 2026.
