NORTH
Data For: 05-Dec-2014
Number of Stations Reporting 29
Average snow water equivalent 2"
Percent of normal for this date 32%

CENTRAL
Data For: 05-Dec-2014
Number of Stations Reporting 41
Average snow water equivalent 2.3"
Percent of normal for this date 41%

SOUTH
Data For: 05-Dec-2014
Number of Stations Reporting 26
Average snow water equivalent 2.1"
Percent of normal for this date 49%

STATEWIDE SUMMARY
Data For: 05-Dec-2014
Number of Stations Reporting 96
Average snow water equivalent 2.0"
Percent of normal for this date 38%


The Impact of Forecasting

How ``wet'' or ``dry'' a year is predicted to be has many impacts. Public utilities need to determine what percentage of their electric energy generation will be hydro power. Good water years enable the utilities to use more hydro power and, consequently, save oil. Conversely, in a dry year, the utilities must depend more on steam generation and therefore use more oil, coal, and atomic fuel. Agricultural interest use the information to determine crop planting patterns, ground water pumping needs, and irrigation schedules. Operators of flood control projects determine how much water can safely be stored in a reservoir while reserving space for predicted inflows. Municipalities use the information to evaluate their water supply and determine whether (in a dry year) water rationing my be needed.
The news media follows forecasts to inform the general public. Recreationists use the water conditions information to determine ski conditions in winter and rafting conditions year-round. Fish releases are also dependent on water forecasts. Businesses, such as banks, and insurance companies, also follow the forecasts.

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