Drought conditions, low soil moisture and low snowpack are contributing to a forecast of low water supply to Hebgen Reservoir this season.
The Madison River Basin is experiencing Moderate to Severe Drought conditions. Hebgen Reservoir is currently at an elevation of 6,529.68 feet, which is 5.19 feet from full pool. Inflows into Hebgen Reservoir throughout the winter have been 89% of normal, while snowpack in the Madison River Basin is at 66% of normal levels and only 56% of normal levels on SNOTEL sites above Hebgen Reservoir.
“This is shaping up to be a challenging water year, and we’re carefully managing river operations in response to current conditions,” said NorthWestern Energy Manager Hydro License Compliance Andy Welch. “Our focus remains on operating responsibly to conserve water in the early season so we are able to provide river flows and reduce stress on fish during periods when water temperatures are highest.”
Although snowpack levels in higher elevations in the basin are close to normal for this time of year, there are below normal to very low snowpack levels in the lower and mid-elevations. Warm temperatures this winter caused precipitation to fall as rain instead of snow and the snowpack is lower than what is needed for a strong runoff.
“Conditions on the Madison River continue to present challenges, with water availability expected to be limited as we balance the many demands on the system,” said NorthWestern Energy Director of Power Generation Jeremy Clotfelter. “We are closely monitoring hydrologic conditions and forecasts and will be working collaboratively with our agency partners and stakeholders to identify responsible water management options.”
Hebgen Reservoir plays a critical role in managing flows on the upper and lower Madison River throughout the year to support the long‑term health of the Madison River ecosystem and to provide carbon free, cost-effective power to our customers.
Current water levels at Hebgen Lake and flows and water temperatures are available at http://madisondss.com/page/dashboard.php. Learn more about NorthWestern Energy’s stewardship and management of the Madison River system at northwesternenergy.com/MadisonDrought
The public is invited to a meeting from 6-8 p.m. May 11 at El Western, 4784 U.S. Highway 287, in Ennis to discuss Madison River topics, including snowpack and streamflow forecasts for the Madison River, fish populations, recreation, and the projects sponsored by the Madison Fisheries Technical Advisory Committee.
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About NorthWestern Energy (Nasdaq: NWE)
NorthWestern Corporation, doing business as NorthWestern Energy, provides essential energy infrastructure and valuable services that enrich lives and empower communities while serving as long-term partners to our customers and communities. We are working to deliver safe, reliable, and innovative energy solutions that create value for customers, communities, employees, and investors. This includes bridging our history as a regulated utility safely providing low-cost and reliable service with our future as a globally-aware company offering a broader array of services performed by highly-adaptable and skilled employees. We provide electricity and / or natural gas to approximately 850,300. customers in Montana, South Dakota, Nebraska and Yellowstone National Park. We have provided service in South Dakota and Nebraska since 1923 and in Montana since 2002. More information is available on the company’s Web site at www.northwesternenergy.com.
Source: Northwestern Energy press release
Photo: Megan Strickland Sacry
Drought, Low Snowpack and Dry Soils Point to Low Hebgen Reservoir Levels This Season
