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Sept. 10, 2024Omaha, Neb. |  By: Jeremy Werner

MO River Basin runoff forecast just below average

missouri river

OMAHA, Neb. - Drier weather over the past several weeks has left this year’s Missouri River Basin runoff forecast just below average.

During the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' final monthly update for 2024, officials reported August runoff at 1.2 million acre-feet, or 86% of average.

The 2024 total runoff forecast for the upper basin is now 23.8 million acre-feet, or 92% of average.

Corps Engineer Ryan Larsen said the forecast reflects worsening dry conditions in the western basin and above-average tributary flows in the east.

Currently, 76% of the Missouri Basin is experiencing drought or abnormally dry conditions.

Looking ahead, experts predict above-average temperatures and below-average precipitation in the lower basin, but a potential La Niña pattern could improve snowpack in the northern basin.

Winter release rates will begin later this month, with the current release at Gavins Point at 33,500 cubic feet per second, dropping to 12,000 this winter.