Snow Survey Newsletter - May 2026

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USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service

Snow Survey Newsletter - May 7, 2026

Cover of the May 1, 2026 Idaho Water Supply Outlook Report

May Water Supply Outlook Report

The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) in Idaho has released the May Water Supply Outlook Report for the 2026 Water Year. 

For details on how this year’s snowpack and water supply looks in individual river basins, please read the full Water Supply Outlook Report, please visit the NRCS Idaho Snow Survey Webpage. 

For questions about water supply or snowpack conditions, please contact Erin Whorton at erin.whorton@usda.gov or 208-510-7294.


Upcoming Water Supply Meetings

Lucky Peak Reservoir on May 6, 2026

The Boise Reservoir System is 94% full. NRCS joined Army Corps of Engineers and Bureau of Reclamation staff to evaluate the snowpack conditions to optimize final reservoir fill. This photo of Lucky Peak Reservoir, looking toward Arrowrock on May 6, 2026, shows spring in full swing above the reservoir. Very little snow remains in the basin, except in areas above 8,000 feet. The system is well-situated to manage the remaining anticipated runoff without additional flood risk management operations, which ceased on April 27, 2026.

May 14 - Jackson Lake Public Meeting

The Bureau of Reclamation  will hold the Jackson Lake Public Meeting on May 14 from 1:30 to 3:30 p.m. at the Teton County Library, 125 Virginian Ln, Jackson, WY 83001.

This event will be followed by the "Jackson Lake Windshield Survey" the following day (May 15). Participants will travel via car into the Snake River headwaters above Jackson Lake to compare current snowpack conditions with relevant historical photos taken at the same locations. The goal is to better understand conditions on the ground to improve management of the Upper Snake River water supply. Please note that transportation is not provided and carpooling is encouraged.

May 20 - IDWR April Water Supply Meeting 

The Idaho Department of Water Resources will hold the April Water Supply Meeting at its offices located at 322 E. Front St., Boise, on Wednesday, May 20 at 9 a.m.

All in-person visitors must check in at the building’s front desk on the first floor. IDWR will have someone available in the lobby to assist with elevator access to the sixth floor.

If you plan to park in the garage (1-hour free parking), please note that you will still need to take the elevator to the first floor to check in before proceeding upstairs,

You may also attend virtually through Teams. Dial in: +1 208-985-2810, Meeting ID: 210 871 533 597 04 passcode: VX3dL9g5

June 1 - Water Supply Conditions Update 

NRCS Water Supply Specialist will give a Water Supply Conditions update at 11 a.m., June 1 at the Idaho Water Users Association's Water Law and Resource Issues Seminar at the Sun Valley Resort. for more information about or to register for the seminar, please visit the Idaho Water Users Association website.

Sun Valley Ski Resort showing snow only on the groomed runs above the town on Ketchum, Idaho on May 6, 2026.

A snowline assessment flight on May 6, 2026, shows that around Ketchum, the only mid-elevation snow remaining is on the packed-down, groomed ski runs.


In the News

Idaho’s Snowpack & Water Situation Benefited From April Weather- Pacific Northwest Ag Network

Flight over the Big Wood Basin shows snow above 8,000 but no lower on May 6, 2026.

This photo shows the snowline on May 6, 2026, in the Big Wood Basin above Fairfield is around 8,000 feet. The snowpack appeared thicker on north and east facing aspects and was virtually non-existent on south and west facing aspects in the Big and Little Wood basins. In the rugged mountains between Galena Summit and Graham Guard SNOTEL stations, the snowpack seemed more robust across all aspects. While only viewed in the distance, the Sawtooth Mountains and other high-elevation peaks still appeared to be covered in snow, while spring was in full swing in the lower valleys and hillsides.


SNOTEL Site Issue Tracking Tool

To help the public stay informed, the Idaho SNOTEL Site Issues Map is available. It tracks known outages and sensor problems across the network. While we work hard to keep this resource as up‑to‑date as possible, we always appreciate the public’s assistance in identifying potential sensor issues or irregular data. Our team can be contacted at: IDBOISE-NRCS-SNOW@usda.gov 


Snow Survey Staff Contact Information

NRCS Idaho Snow Survey

9173 W Barnes Dr, Suite C
Boise, ID 83709

Phone: 208-510-7294

Current condition maps of streamflow, snowpack and precipitation can be accessed on the NRCS Idaho Snow Survey web page. 

erin and peter

Patrick Kormos, Supervisory Hydrologist 

Erin Whorton, Water Supply Specialist 

David Eiriksson, Data Collection Officer

Justin Byington, Electronics Technician 

Earl Adsley, Hydrologist 

Ashley Evans, Hydrologist

Eva Hafner, Hydrologist

Peter Youngblood, Hydrologist