Milk River Basin - Water Supply Forecasts

As of June 1, 2006, below average natural runoff volumes are forecast for the March to September 2006 period in the Milk River basin, although Western Crossing should be below average to average (Table 3a). Current forecasts in the basin range from 76 to 85% of the median, 10 to 32% higher than volumes recorded during the March through September 2005 period. Forecasts decreased by 4 to 5% since May 1 forecasts were published, due to below to much below normal precipitation in May. For the Milk River at Milk River, current forecasted values for the March to September 2006 period would rank 31st lowest in 91 years of record (1912-2001).

The first three months of the forecast period have been completed, with March-May 2006 recorded natural runoff volumes ranging from 76 to 87 % of average, which is below average. Recorded volume data is preliminary, and is subject to change. The remaining volume forecast, which is the March to September 2006 forecast minus the recorded volume to date, is available in Table 3b. Near average natural runoff volumes are forecast for the June - September 2006 period.