North Idaho streamflows continue to be low

July 1, 2015

An unusual combination of conditions last winter, along with our current string of high temperatures, and other factors, are leading to markedly low stream flows in Boundary County this spring and summer. "Our region is experiencing a very unusual year in terms of low snowpack, early snowmelt, above average temps, below average spring precipitation, and low streamflow," said Katherine Rowden, a hydrologist at the Spokane office of the National Weather Service. Ms. Rowden pointed out several current conditions and observations affecting current streamflows: • Several snow observation sites of the U.S. Natural Resources Conservation Service and also Canadian sites set records this winter for low snowpack and early snowmelt across the Western United States. • Several rivers and streams are at record low levels for this time in June • 2015 has seen record evaporation for the April - June 24th period dating back to when these measurements were first made in Spokane starting in 1980. • Water supply forecasts at several locations put summer streamflows at or near the lowest summer streamflow volumes since at least 1971. • Wildfire conditions are at critical levels in many areas - we're already seeing conditions that we would see in August in a typical year. According to information provided by the National Weather Service in Spokane, "Early melt off of our of below average snowpack in the Pacific Northwest, combined with below average precipitation since April, has pushed streamflows to record low levels for this time of the year." A couple of impressive local examples of low streamflows: BOUNDARY CREEK: In measurements over the past 87 years, the previous record low streamflow for Boundary Creek (in northern Boundary County near Porthill) for the date of June 23 was 83 cubic feet per second, set 75 years ago in 1940. June 23 of this year saw Boundary Creek at a new low record 58 cubic feet per second. MOYIE RIVER: Currently, the Moyie River is down 75%, flowing at only 25% of its usual rate for this time of year. Along with low streamflows, conditions have contributed to an exceptionally high fire risk this season. See our companion story about current fire risk and fire restrictions that are being put into place in Northern Idaho beginning today.