Milk River Basin - Water Supply Forecasts

As of August 1, 2006, below average natural runoff volumes are forecast for the March to September 2006 period in the Milk River basin (Table 3a). Current forecasts in the basin range from 65 to 78% of the median, similar to volumes recorded during the March through September 2005 period except at Western Crossing where the forecast is higher. Forecasts decreased slightly, by 0 to 2%, since July 1 forecasts were published. For the Milk River at Milk River, current forecasted values for the March to September 2006 period would rank 27th lowest in 91 years of record (1912-2001).

The first five months of the forecast period have been completed, with March-July 2006 recorded natural runoff volumes ranging from 65 to 78 % 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. Below average natural runoff volumes are forecast for the August - September 2006 period. For the Milk River at Milk River, current forecasted values would rank 34th lowest in 91 years of record (1912-2001).