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The Southwest experienced a snow drought and precipitation deficit this season, with well-below normal streamflow expected for the spring and summer period.
Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture Natural Resource Conservation Service
Images: Courtesy
The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) produces this weekly report using data and products from the National Water and Climate Center and other agencies. The report focuses on seasonal snowpack, precipitation, temperature, and drought conditions in the U.S.
The April 1 streamflow and water supply forecasts produced by the NRCS Snow Survey and Water Supply Forecasting Program (SSWSFP) depict a wide range of conditions across the western U.S. this year. The highest forecasts as a percent of median are centered in the Northwest, where snowpack and seasonal precipitation have been well-above normal. The Southwest experienced a snow drought and precipitation deficit this season, with well-below normal streamflow expected for the spring and summer period. Forecasts are predominantly derived from mountain snowpack and seasonal precipitation data from automated NRCS SNOTEL sites and manual snow course measurements. NRCS SSWSFP staff perform maintenance on the SNOTEL stations, quality control the data, and distribute the forecasts and water supply outlook reports.
