Small Streams, May 13th, 2023

Run-off from our much higher than normal snowfall last winter is beginning. Here is an example in almost the extreme. Snow pack in the Willow Creek-Blackfoot and Portneuf Rivers drainages was about 300% of normal. Today run-off measured by the USGS’s Willow Creek gage stationed just above Ririe Reservoir measured a flow of 1880 cfs and climbing. That is compared to a normal flow this time of around 250 cfs! All of our small streams will see unusually high run-off flows. These may delay good fishing on each, but will replenish depleted ground water levels which will keep good flows going, benefit resident trout and extend good fishing through the season.