Dry conditions in April resulted in well-below average runoff in the upper Missouri River Basin. April runoff was 1.5 million acre-feet, which is 51% of average. The updated 2022 upper Basin runoff forecast is 69% of average.
The NOAA Climate Prediction Center indicates increased chances for cooler and wetter-than-normal conditions for most of the Basin for the month of May, potentially providing much-needed moisture to the area. However, long-range forecasts for the months of June, July, and August indicate warmer and drier-than-normal conditions.
Gavins Point Dam releases will provide minimum-service navigation flow support through July 1st. Flow targets may be missed to conserve water if there is no commercial navigation in a given reach.
