The Courier
News Water Supply is Off to a Good Start
NRCS News Release The Natural Resources Conservation Service just released the first water supply outlook report for the 2016 water year. Precipitation since the water year started on October 1, 2015, varies across the state with the majority of the watershed basins at 95 to 175% of normal. “January 15th marks winter’s half way point which is when Mother Nature usually deposits half of the winter’s snowfall in our mountains,” said Ron Abramovich, Water Supply Specialist with the Idaho Natural Resources Conservation Service. “So far Idaho snowpacks are off to a great start this year thanks to El Nino. Most basins are between from 110 to 190% of average, although sev-
eral basins are just below normal.” Typically north Idaho receives more precipitation than southern Idaho; however, this year the highest snowpack is in the state’s Owyhee and Bruneau basins with close to 190% of average. The lowest snowpacks are between 90 and 99% of average in the Panhandle Region, Clearwater, Upper Snake and Bear River basins. This snow accumulation pattern is the opposite from the past two years which saw better snowfall in the basins along the continental divide. Based on Idaho’s Surface Water Supply Index, water supplies around the state should be adequate with some exceptions for the central Idaho basins. With early snow accumu-
lation so high across most of the state, water supplies look promising, but due to lack of snow in the mid-elevations in recent history, drought concerns are still present. “We’re in the fourth inning of the game,” Abramovich said. “With half the winter still to come, expect the water supply outlook to change.” For information on specific basins, streams, and reservoirs, view the full report online at January Water Supply Outlook Report. ---- Snow measurements on January 2nd at Couch Summit showed 45 inches and Chimney Creek showed 39 inches. That puts the Camas Basin snowpack at 150% (1981 to 2010 median).
Don’t Miss Opening Day of Hunting Even though Idaho’s spring turkey hunting season is months away, now is a great time for beginning hunters to register for and complete a hunter education course. Hunter education is required for anyone born on or after January 1, 1975 who wants to purchase an Idaho
hunting license. The overall goal is the prevention of hunting and firearm related accidents, but emphasis is also placed on improving knowledge about the heritage of hunting and developing a sense of ethics and responsibility. continued on page 9.....
January 13
,2016
Volume 40 ~ Number 2 News from the Heart of Idaho Camas • Lincoln • Gooding
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Comment on Forest Projects
The Sawtooth National Forest is seeking public comment on proposed projects for which the Forest is seeking grants from the State of Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation (IDPR). Each year the State of Idaho provides funding for public land agencies through a grant application process. These State funds are raised through the sale of a variety of boating, recreation, and off-road vehicle stickers. Agencies applying for IDPR grants are required to provide matching funds or in-kind contributions. The Forest Service would appreciate your comments or feedback on the grant proposals listed below. To be most helpful, comments should be submitted by January 16, 2016. Please contact the individual listed below to comment on specific projects. Projects in the Fairfield Ranger District •Baumgartner Campground Improvements Phase 2- RV Fund-Grant funds will be used to replace the existing water system in the campcontinued on page 8.....