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Show Water: . dismal The most recent water supply outlook from the United States Department of Agriculture-Soil Conservation Service continued to paint a dismal picture for Iron and Washington Counties. Snow cover, according to the newsletter, varies from one percent, that's right, one percent of the March 1 average on the Enterprise-New Harmony drainages up to 34 percent for Parowan Creek. Coal Creek is 17 percent and the Virgin River 18 percent of the March 1 average. Precipitation at mountain stations, the SCS said, ranged from 20 percent to near average during the past few weeks. Soil moisture, they said, is still well below average. "Streamflow forecasts range from 31 percent of the April-July average on Lake Powell Inflow to 38 percent on Santa Clara near Pine Valley. Virgin River forecast at 35 percent of average and Coal Creek 34 percent. Most water users," the survey continued, "in this area are expected to have limited water supplies this season." The cooperative snow survey newsletter also carried the warning: "You may have less irrigation water this year than ever '"before." The report described the snow course measurements as "severe to critical." "You may find you'll need to change crops, planted acreage, timing of water application or efficiency of your water distribution system," the SCS advised farmers. A list of tips was included which can be obtained from SCS offices or Extension Ex-tension offices. |