River report: Snow in the forecast
This week’s U.S. Drought Monitor map shows 89 percent of the basin in Severe Drought conditions, holding steady from last week.
According to the experts, we could get a good amount of snow over the weekend. The snow-to-water equivalent depends on the type of snow, but on average 10 inches of snow equals 1 inch of rain. However, the slow snow melt will better help recharge groundwater and boost the river’s flow more than a quick storm.
The recharge is needed. At 1740 cubic feet per second (cfs), the flow at the USGS gage at Point of Rocks is only slightly above the historical low of 1500 cfs.
According to NOAA/NWS, rain in the watershed is 4 inches below average for the past 90 days.
Be Winter Salt Smart in 3-easy steps
With winter weather in the forecast this is a good time to think about your winter salting habits. Winter salt runs off into our rivers and streams to pollute our drinking water, damage infrastructure, and poison aquatic life. We can be safe while being winter salt smart and protecting our waterways.
Be winter salt smart in 3-easy steps:
1️⃣ Shovel first
2️⃣ Salt lightly (and only if needed)
3️⃣ Sweep it up after the storm
Just one teaspoon of salt permanently pollutes 5 gallons of drinking water.
Spread the word, not the salt! You can share these graphics on your social media pages to let your friends and family know about the impacts of too much winter salt. More graphics can be found on ICPRB’s Winter Salt Smart StoryMap.
ICPRB celebrates Winter Salt Week next week to bring awareness to this important issue. Join ICPRB at a regional event (virtual and in-person) to learn more about this issue. There are also national webinars on freshwater salinization, advocating for change, salt monitoring, and more.
Reminder: ICPRB hiring Director of Administration and Finance
The Director of Administration and Finance is a senior management position of ICPRB. A CPA certification is required. Applications are due by tomorrow, January 23. Learn more about the job and how to apply >>>