Wyoming Spring Runoff 2020 Flood Potential--issued April 8th

Severe Weather Across the Center of the Nation; Fire Weather Concerns for Southwest and California; Snow for the Central Rockies

Severe thunderstorms will continue to impact the center of the Nation through today. Very large hail, strong tornadoes, and damaging winds are expected from the Great Lakes into the central/southern Plains; Flash flooding is possible for portions into the mid-Mississippi Valley. Critical fire weather conditions for the Southwest and central valley of California today. Winter hangs on for Rockies. Read More >

SYNOPSIS

Early April snowpack and/or SWEs were above average (105 to 115% of median) across almost all major basins in Wyoming.

Above average snow depths across far western Wyoming.

Average soil moisture percentages across basins in northeastern Wyoming and portions of the Wind River Basin; Below average soil moisture percentages across southern Wyoming.

Widespread pine bark beetle damage (2010 to 2018) across the Upper North Platte, Little Snake, Laramie, and Wind River Basins.

No significant precipitation trends during the spring runoff season (May – July). Above average temperatures are expected across central to western Wyoming during the runoff season.

HIGHLIGHTS

Low to Moderate potential for flooding due to spring snowmelt runoff across portions of the Salt River Basin (far western Wyoming) and portions of the Little Laramie River Basin. All other headwater basins will generally have a Low potential for snowmelt runoff flooding.

Latest Wyoming Spring Flood Potential graphic: