GCPUD Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 5, 2007
(number of pages 2)

Canadian Snowpack Forecasts Favorable

EPHRATA, WA – Columbia River hydroelectric dams see good snowpack conditions in the Canadian mountain ranges that feed spring and summer runoff water into the river. However, even in late February runoff forecasts through July were still in the 90 to 100 percent of average. Canadian forecasters are more optimistic with snow measurements at 120 to 140 percent of normal.

Intense winter storms brought high snowfall to Canadian peaks and valleys in the upper Columbia River region. But February results are about two-thirds of winter snow accumulation.

“The snowpack situation in the upper Columbia River is starting to give us a better picture of river flow conditions for 2007,” said Kevin Nordt, Grant PUD director of power management.

Power management forecasters look for additional spring snow in the mountains and also watch for the type of snowmelt occurring in May and June. In those months, high temperatures and rain can reduce snowpack needed for the rest of the year and bring flooding in some areas.

“In the weeks ahead we hope to see continued improvement in water supply. We expect that we may see average or slightly better than average water projections through the summer. Based on water flow, we make critical decisions for power generation, power purchases, fish protection, recreation and coordinated operations of Mid-Columbia River dams,” said Nordt.

Precipitation in March and April will tell the major story for this year’s Columbia River flows. In late February, Grant PUD power management forecasters were still seeing a January – July runoff forecasted at mid-90s percent as compared to last year’s over 120 percent forecast for the same period.

# #
Grant County Public Utility District is a Washington state municipal corporation that began electric service in 1942. Owned by the people it serves, Grant PUD generates and sells electricity to Grant County residents and millions of customers throughout Central Washington and the Pacific Northwest. The Priest Rapids Project, comprised of Priest Rapids and Wanapum Dams, produces nearly 2,000 megawatts of clean, renewable and reliable electricity – enough to supply a city the size of Seattle. A leader in science based technology; Grant PUD is committed to finding effective measures for the protection, mitigation and enhancement of salmon, steelhead and other natural and cultural resources.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Gary Garnant
(509) 754-5027 / ggarnan@gcpud.org