Newsletter - Snow Survey

NORTHEAST NEVADA SNOW SURVEY
April 1, 2004 Report

The dry month of March catalyzed significant snow pack declines throughout northeastern Nevada watersheds. The combined effects of elevated daytime temperatures and zero precipitation have triggered early run-off. Stream flows increased moderately though remain below average for the period. Substantial volume will have been utilized for soil/ground-water recharge as influenced by dry soil moisture conditions throughout the fall and winter period. Typically, the months of February and March account for 37% of the Upper Humboldt snow-water accumulation. The droughty conditions sustained during the month leaves a large void in the stream flow bank.

The Ruby Mountain and East Humboldt ranges (Upper Humboldt/Clover Valley-Franklin River basins) were at 58% to 67% of average on April 1. The Upper Humboldt basin declined some 51% from the March 1 mark. The Owyhee River basin, at 73%, sustained near to above average conditions at upper elevation within three primary watersheds but declined measurably from the March 1 mark at 130%. The Lower Humboldt system approximates higher April 1 averages (92%) as influenced by three mid to upper elevation watersheds in the Tuscarora, Snowstorm and Santa Rosa mountains. Snotel sites (80% of the April 1 average) within the basin indicate a 46% drop from March 1st (126%). The Snake River basin declined the least from the March 1 figure but remains well below average at 68%. Only one upper elevation basin, Pole Creek Ranger Station, remained near average at 96%. Eastern Nevada watersheds, at 61% of the April 1st mark, declined some 45% on three upper elevation snotel sites. Near average conditions were sustained at upper elevation within the Berry Creek watershed(94%).

April through July stream flows are expected to yield 45% to 60% of average within the Upper Humboldt/Clover-Franklin and the Lower Humboldt basins. Owyhee and Eastern Nevada basins are projected at 50% to 60% while Snake River remains somewhat higher at 60% to 70%. The first week in April has started with a series of rain showers within an optimal window that could lead to enhanced soil moisture conditions which will boost rangeland & pasture production. Northeastern Nevada relies integrally upon Spring precipitation, particularly during dry cycles, to sustain rangeland and irrigated pasture/hay land vigor and productivity during the early growing season. Let's hope for a wet Spring with temperature bands that are conducive to buffering early dry-out.

Jim Evans, NRCS Northeast Nevada Snow Surveys


NORTHEAST NEVADA SNOW SURVEY April 1, 2004 Report The dry month of March catalyzed significant snow pack declines throughout northeastern Nevada watersheds. The combined effects of elevated daytime temperatures and zero precipitation have triggered early run-off. Stream flows increased moderately though remain below average for the period. Substantial volume will have been utilized for soil/ground-water recharge as influenced by dry soil moisture conditions throughout the fall and winter period. Typically, the months of February and March account for 37% of the Upper Humboldt snow-water accumulation. The droughty conditions sustained during the month leaves a large void in the stream flow bank. The Ruby Mountain and East Humboldt ranges (Upper Humboldt/Clover Valley-Franklin River basins) were at 58% to 67% of average on April 1. The Upper Humboldt basin declined some 51% from the March 1 mark. The Owyhee River basin, at 73%, sustained near to above average conditions at upper elevation within three primary watersheds but declined measurably from the March 1 mark at 130%. The Lower Humboldt system approximates higher April 1 averages (92%) as influenced by three mid to upper elevation watersheds in the Tuscarora, Snowstorm and Santa Rosa mountains. Snotel sites (80% of the April 1 average) within the basin indicate a 46% drop from March 1st (126%). The Snake River basin declined the least from the March 1 figure but remains well below average at 68%. Only one upper elevation basin, Pole Creek Ranger Station, remained near average at 96%. Eastern Nevada watersheds, at 61% of the April 1st mark, declined some 45% on three upper elevation snotel sites. Near average conditions were sustained at upper elevation within the Berry Creek watershed(94%). April through July stream flows are expected to yield 45% to 60% of average within the Upper Humboldt/Clover-Franklin and the Lower Humboldt basins. Owyhee and Eastern Nevada basins are projected at 50% to 60% while Snake River remains somewhat higher at 60% to 70%. The first week in April has started with a series of rain showers within an optimal window that could lead to enhanced soil moisture conditions which will boost rangeland & pasture production. Northeastern Nevada relies integrally upon Spring precipitation, particularly during dry cycles, to sustain rangeland and irrigated pasture/hay land vigor and productivity during the early growing season. Let's hope for a wet Spring with temperature bands that are conducive to buffering early dry-out. Jim Evans, NRCS Northeast Nevada Snow Surveys

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