Your PUD
News Release
Forecast rises; above-average runoff expected for Lake Chelan
Chelan County PUD
News Release
4/4/2008
Runoff into Lake Chelan for April-July 2008 is expected to be about 107 percent of average, according to Chelan County PUD's April 1 forecast, slightly higher than the forecast of 98-103 percent made in March. With below-average temperatures expected in April and May, runoff may come later than normal.
Long-range weather forecasts are calling for above-average precipitation in April, followed by average precipitation in May.
Typically runoff begins in early April, but it has not started yet this year because of colder temperatures. The Stehekin River on April 1 was running about 50 percent of average.
The elevation of Lake Chelan was at 1,083.3 feet above sea level on April 1, and plenty of water is expected to be available to refill the lake by July 1. Spill through the Chelan Gorge will likely be needed late in the spring and early summer to manage lake levels as the lake fills.
The generation forecast for Lake Chelan continues to be guardedly optimistic, with intermittent generation until runoff begins.
The complete April 1 runoff forecast is posted on the PUD's Web site at http://www.chelanpud.org/. Click here to go directly to the forecast.
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Contact Scott Buehn, power resources engineer and analyst, 661.4828 for more information.
Steve Lachowicz
Director, Communications Division
Chelan County PUD
509 661-4639
steve.lachowicz@chelanpud.org