Missouri River Basin Runoff Improves but Remains Below Average

The US Army Corps of Engineers reports that the Missouri River Basin's April runoff was 71% of average, with 2.1 million acre-feet of runoff. This improves the annual forecast to 19.2 million acre-feet, or 75% of average, despite ongoing drought conditions in the upper basin.

The Missouri River Basin's water levels have significant implications for agriculture, industry, and municipalities that rely on the river for water supply. Drought conditions and below-average runoff can lead to economic losses, water shortages, and environmental degradation.

The mountain snowpack peaked at 73% of normal on April 9 in the Fort Peck reach and 82% of normal on April 10 in the Garrison reach. As of May 1, 88% of the peak remains in the Fort Peck reach and 89% in the Garrison reach.

Drought or abnormally dry conditions are currently present in 52% of the Basin. Drought conditions in most of the upper Basin are likely to persist during May, but are expected to improve or be removed in the lower Basin.

"We hope to see the precipitation trend continue to provide the much-needed moisture for the region," said John Remus, chief of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Missouri River Basin Water Management Division.

Why this matters: System storage is currently at 49.9 million acre-feet, 6.2 million acre-feet below the top of the carryover multiple-use zone. Basin and river conditions continue to be monitored, and system regulation will be adjusted based on the most up-to-date information.

The April runoff of 2.1 million acre-feet was nearly 30% less than normal for the month. However, the annual runoff forecast of 19.2 million acre-feet, while still 25% below average, represents an improvement of 1.7 million acre-feet compared to last month's forecast. Ongoing monitoring and adjustments to reservoir regulation will be critical as the Missouri River Basin continues to face the challenges of persistent drought conditions.

Key Takeaways

• Missouri River Basin's April runoff was 71% of average, with 2.1 million acre-feet.
• Annual forecast improved to 19.2 million acre-feet, still 25% below average.
• Drought conditions persist in 52% of the Basin, but expected to improve in lower Basin.
• System storage is 49.9 million acre-feet, 6.2 million below the carryover zone.
• Ongoing monitoring and adjustments to reservoir regulation are critical.