Yakima Valley Water Supply Forecast Released

It seemed like a light winter (at least when it came to snowfall in Yakima for the 2025 to 2026 season), but overall precipitation was 118% of average, and our reservoirs are at 129% of average, even though there are still some concerns about water and irrigation for the valley this summer.

Yakima Basin May Water Supply Forecast

On Thursday, May 7th, the Bureau of Reclamation shared its forecast for the Yakima basin and the water supply for irrigation needs and demands, with some entitlements being fully honored (senior water rights at 100%) while others needing to take a cut (junior water rights at 52%), keeping on track with what was projected in April.

“Storage in the Yakima basin reservoirs on May 1 was 96% full with 1,022,395 acre-feet, which is 129% of average. Precipitation for April was 61% of average, and for October–April was 118% of average.”
– United States Bureau of Reclamation.

As of May 1st, according to the Bureau of Reclamation (USBR.gov), the snowpack levels were sitting at 35% of average.

What is Reclamation?

When water shortages happen in the Yakima Valley, Reclamation manages Yakima Project storage reservoirs and the Yakima basin’s inflows to help fulfill water rights, contracts, and instream flow obligations. During shortages, Reclamation makes sure water usage reductions are shared equally among junior water-right holders.

For more information on the Yakima Project Hydromet System, visit USBR.gov.

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