YBSA Monthly Report December, 2016

YBSA Monthly Report

December, 2016

Water for the Yakima Basin: As of December 31^st, the Yakima River Basin water storage system (Keechelus, Kachess, Cle Elum, Bumping, & Rimrock) is at 46% of capacity which is at 109% of capacity for this time of year. Perception at the 5 reservoirs is 26.71 inches which is 79% of average. Snow water equivalent for the Upper Yakima Basin is 92% of average and the Lower Yakima Basin is at 96%.

Water Needs for Agriculture: A study by Washington State University projecting future water needs for agriculture in the Columbia River Basin is due for publication in early 2017. The study will report an increased water supply between November and May. More precipitation will fall as rain in the winter, and the snow that does accumulate will melt earlier in the spring. In the fall and summer, when flows are low, farmers will interruptible water rights may have their use curtailed more often.

Grants for Salmon Recovery: The Washington State Salmon Recovery Board has recently awarded $697,930 of the $14.6 million distributed statewide to Kittitas County. The projects funded will be for habitat restoration to help salmon recovery. The complete story can be found in the December 22^nd issue of the Northern Kittitas County Tribune.

YBSA wishes everyone a happy and prosperous New Year!

Go to www.ybsa.org for additional information.