NRCS Idaho releases May 2026 Water Supply Outlook Report

May 7, 2026

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

As of May 1, a significant percentage of Idaho's snowpack has melted, leaving snow only at the highest elevations in the mountains.

"While the rainy, cool April boosted water supply and slowed down the pace of snowmelt, it did not change the overall water supply picture this summer," said Erin Whorton, Water Supply Specialist for NRCS in Idaho. With warm, dry conditions returning to the region, the snowpack will likely melt out much earlier than normal. These shifts in peak streamflow levels will continue to pose water supply challenges across the state.

"Since this was one of the lowest snowpacks since 1934, a historic first in most of our lifetimes, we will learn many important lessons this year as we navigate the challenges that come our way."

Given the historically low snowpack conditions, NRCS encourages water users to consider the 'drier scenario',  90% and 70% exceedance streamflow forecasts this year in addition to the mid-range forecast to reduce their risk.

Current snowpack and precipitation conditions for each basin can be accessed via the NRCS interactive map.

To read the entire Water Supply Outlook Report, please visit the NRCS Idaho Snow Survey Webpage.