Lohmann discusses snowpack

By Terry Murry on Friday, March 11th, 2022 in Columbia Basin News More Top Stories

PENDLETON – The recent snow at high elevations has moved the snowpack for the Umatilla, Walla Walla, and Willow Creek region back up to 95 percent of normal, after it dripped down to the 80s. National Weather Service Hydrologist Marilyn Lohmann says it’s just that time of year and people should always be alert to changes in creeks, streams, and rivers.

“As we’re going into snowmelt season and we’re still seeing weather systems move through, we will see those fast rises and falls as we continue out through spring,” she said.

McKay Reservoir is currently 47 percent full, which Lohmann said is slightly lower than normal. She added that the McKay drainage is not expected to see 40 percent of normal water supply at this time.

“Now, if we do get some spring rains in at the right time, that’s where a lot of their water does come from,” she said. “We’ll have to see how that does play out. They always seem to manage to fill or get very close to it.”