Water managers from the Bureau of Reclamation are expecting low spring runoff in the Rio Grande River.
The Natural Resources Conservation Service forecasts inflow to El Vado Reservoir from March to July at just 46% of the median. With Elephant Butte Reservoir currently at 25% capacity compared to 14% at the same time last year, irrigation releases started earlier.
Releases from Elephant Butte Dam began on Feb. 15, while those from Caballo Dam started on March 8.
Stakeholders can anticipate annual operating plans for the Rio Grande and Pecos rivers to be released on April 18, providing insight into river conditions, irrigation and reservoir operations.
