Wyoming runoff below average but better than 2012

Wyoming's expected runoff remains below normal, but better than what the state saw last year at this time. In its final report on Wyoming's expected water outlook for the year, the federal Natural Resources Conservation Service reports that the state's annual runoff from the winter snowpack will be about 67% of normal. The Snake River basins is expected to yield about 69% of average runoff, the Yellowstone River about 89% and Clark's Fork 85%. Runoff from the Wind River basin is expected to be about 59% of average, the Bighorn River 61%, Upper North Platte about 63%, Lower North Platte 55% and the Green River 37%. Wyoming relies heavily on its mountain snowpack to supply its drinking and irrigation water needs for the year.