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Show Water Outlook Good For Southern Utah Continued heavy precipitation throughout southern Utah during February and the first part of March has resulted in streamflow forecasts for the March-September period for over 100-percent of average The National Weather Service's monthly streamflow report also indicates that the three major reservoirs on the Sevier River System are at a 75-percent of average storage figure as of the first of the month, up considerably from last month's report. Sevier Bridge Reservoir with 81,690 acre feet storage is 82-percent of the 15 year average, while Otter Creek with 21 .70 acre feet is at 74-percent and Piute with 20,960 acre feet is at 49-percent Streamflow forecasts for the Sevier River show 62,000 acre feet at Hatch for 115-percent of average: 40,000 acre feet near Kingston for 113-percent; Piute Reservoir inflow at 74,000 acre feet for 107-percent. For East Fork, the forecast is for 32,000 acre feet for 135-percent. The April-June streamflow forecast for Clear Creek near Sevier is 14.000 acre feet for 108-percent. All forecasts are on the assumption that weather conditions the remainder of the season will be near normal. Precipitation normals and streamflow averages are based on the 15-year period 1956-1972. The Weather Service said the water supply outlook is now considered adequate for natural flow areas. Soil Conservation Service personnel have completed the March 1, snow survey readings Indications are that, in general, the water outlook is improving. Karl A. Kler, SCS stated that every course showed a marked improvement over last months readings. Panguitch Lake is 192 percent of normal with 24 inches of snow and 7.3 inches water content. Castle Valley is 100 percent of normal with 40 inches of snow and 112 inches of water content. Duck Creek is 153 percent of normal with 55 inches of snow and 16 8 inches of water content. Long Valley Junction is 251 percent of normal with 33 inches of snow and 10.8 inches of water content. Widtsoe Summit is 152 percent of normal with 32 inches of snow and 8.7 inches of water content. Widtsoe No. 2 is 118 percent of normal with 33 inches of snow and 8 6 inches of water content. Widtsoe No. I is 131 percent of normal with 42 inches of snow and U. inches water content. This average is a 15 year period between 1958 and 1972. These forecasts are inclusive only up to March 1 Kler added that April 1, readings are really the most critical to determining runoff for this year. |
