Although the Hood River Basin had a healthy snowpack this winter, water conservation may again be the hot topic this summer. This spring\’s warmer temperatures and drier conditions have resulted in faster/earlier snowmelt and lower than average streamflows.
Although temperatures have been above average all spring, April had especially high temperatures (see right, credit: NOAA Northwest River Forecast Center). Forecasts expect above average temperatures to continue through the summer (NOAA Climate Prediction Center).
Precipitation has been below average since April (with April precipitation at 52% of average). Forecasts expect below normal precipitation to continue through the summer (NOAA Climate Prediction Center).
Snowpack throughout the Hood River Basin was about 70% of average, as of May 1st (see left, credit: NRCS Basin Outlook Report). Mt. Hood\’s snowpack at the Mt. Hood SNOTEL site was 22% of normal on June 1st and had completely melted of by June 7th (28 days earlier than normal). Meanwhile, the snowpacks at the Greenpoint and Red Hill SNOTEL sites had melted off 6 and 13 days earlier than normal, respectively.
Streamflow in the Hood River at Tucker Bridge was running about 65% of average in the middle of June (USGS WaterWatch).
So what can you do?
While we shouldn\’t be in as much trouble as last summer, the Hood River Basin\’s water supply is still a limited resource. As always, the best way to preserve water for salmon (and other aquatic species) and local farmers is to eliminate water waste and practice good water conservation measures.
Learn about water conservation here or contact the Hood River SWCD for more information.
Want to learn more about our local water supply?
Monthly Basin Outlook Reports.
Monthly summary graphs for precipitation and temperature.
