Henry’s Fork, April 6th, 2004
Cloudy skies are great for increasing the density of BWO, March Brown, and midge activity. But the stronger the wind the bigger the negative impact on these activities. That wind is happening now on the lower river, making evenings and early AMs the best times to enjoy fish responding to these activities. Improved weather is predicted for later next week, but be aware we are entering the run-off season as warm weather begins to dominate. If you are fishing streamers, the only impact wind has is on casting precision!
Headlines 4/5 From Dr. Rob Van Kirk’s SWE Report Filed April 5th for the Henry’s Fork Drainage
- The last four days were warm and dry, dropping water-year precipitation to 103% of average and melting over 0.5 inch of SWE from Sunday’s peak.
- Natural stream flow has increased by 15% since Sunday due to snow melt and is 95% of average.
- After a few days of showers and cooler temperatures, very warm, dry weather is expected next week.
- The upper Snake River reservoir system is 90% full, compared with 71% full on average.
Details
Dry conditions are expected for 7–10 days starting early next week. That will initiate widespread melt of snow at all but the very highest elevations.
Natural stream flow has increased by over 15% since Sunday due to snow melt. Natural flow was 95% of average yesterday: 90% in upper Henry’s Fork, 97% in Fall River, and 104% in Teton River. I expect natural flow to continue to increase through tonight before cooler temperatures slow melt and drop stream flow over the weekend.
Rob Van Kirk, Ph.D.
Senior Scientist
P.O. Box 550
Ashton, ID 83420
208-881-3407 CELL