Yakima irrigation users should expect full service this season

YAKIMA, Wash. — The Bureau of Reclamation has released their water supply forecast for June 2022, and things are looking good. Senior and junior users should expect full service this irrigation season.

The Yakima basin had the second wettest April and May months on record, contributing to June’s impeccable forecast.

In May, precipitation was 193% of average, the fourth wettest on record. For the months of October through May, precipitation was 116% of average.

And the water snowpack, also known as the snow water equivalent, looks just as good. In the upper Yakima, it’s currently sitting at 241% of average. In the Naches subbasins, it’s at 167%.

According to the Bureau of Reclamation, the total Yakima Project reservoir storage on May 1st was 1,021,534 acre feet. In other words, 108% of average and 96% full.

The Bureau of Reclamation manages the water in the Yakima Project reservoirs. According to the Bureau, junior rights holders share water shortages equally throughout the Yakima basin.

An updated water supply forecast is expected monthly, at least through the month of July. And changing conditions will be noted on these forecasts.

To see more information about June’s forecast, visit the Bureau of Reclamation’s website here.

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