Recent storms increase snowpack and projected runoff
NEWS RELEASE
Bill Stretch, General Manager
(559) 233-7161
info@fresnoirrigation.com
www.fresnoirrigation.com
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 18, 2020
Despite prior dry winter conditions and below-average Sierra Nevada snowpack, the recent storms have slightly improved water supply conditions enough for the Fresno Irrigation District to begin its 2020 water deliveries to growers on May 1. Depending on future precipitation and temperatures, FID anticipates it will be able to make deliveries through July, making for an expected three-month run.
FID’s Board of Directors made the decision at its March 17 meeting after reviewing the latest runoff forecasts. Projected Kings River runoff increased from approximately 41% to 49% of average due to the recent storms.
“After experiencing the second driest February on record, the recent storms and cooler weather have bolstered snowpack conditions enough to allow for a May 1 start. We wanted to make this decision as early as possible to help our growers plan irrigations during this drier than normal spring,” said Bill Stretch, FID General Manager.
FID’s Kings River entitlement depends upon each day’s natural river runoff. While FID receives
most of its surface water supplies from the Kings River, FID also receives San Joaquin River supplies via the Bureau of Reclamation’s Central Valley Project. Prior to the recent storms, the Bureau announced on February 25 a 20% Class 1 allocation and 0% Class 2 allocation, but it is anticipated to increase to 25% to 30% for Class 1 contractors with the recent storms.
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Since 1920, the Fresno Irrigation District has proudly delivered water to agricultural and urban
communities within Fresno County. Today, the District encompasses over 250,000 acres of prime farmland and municipal areas, including the cities of Fresno and Clovis. As the premier irrigation district in the Central Valley, the Fresno Irrigation District is extensively involved in a host of local, state and federal water issues.