Statewide snowpack 70 percent of average

Warmer than normal temperatures are melting Washington’s mediocre snowpack – and with it, almost all hope for average stream flows this summer. On March 1, statewide snowpack was 70 percent of average. The Green and Tolt river basins continue to report the lowest readings in Washington at 32 percent of average. The Spokane River basin was at 52 percent of average. “High elevation snowpack is our state’s ‘water in the bank,’ ” said Scott Pattee, a water supply specialist. “But this year’s warmer temperatures haven’t let us bank as much as we’d like. And as we approach April 1, the snowpack saving clock is winding down.” April 1 is considered the most important date for determining spring and summer stream flows.