Mild winter not a concern for City water, so far

The City of Sheridan reports that as of March 6, the City is at 68% (18 inches) of average in the Big Goose drainage and gaining steadily.

While appearing on Sheridan Media’s Public Pulse, Sheridan Mayor Rich Bridger said as of now, the low snowfall this winter is nothing to be concerned about. 

Mayor R. Bridger 

Sheridan Director of Utilities Dan Roberts said that 68% is below average, but historically speaking, it is common for the snow depth to increase by two feet between March 6 and April 4.

D. Roberts 

According to the City, 2016 was a similarly lean year. On March 6, that year, the City had 22 inches of snow, but by April 4, that had increased to 49 inches.

Last year was a banner year for snowpack. In fact, the City reports that on March 6, 2023, the Sheridan area had 35 inches at 135% snowpack.

The Twin Lakes is the City’s primary source of supplemental water supply. Sheridan relies upon being able to release water from Twin Lakes in mid July through September to supplement water supply in the Big Goose Creek to avoid being called out of priority by a senior water right holder. 

According to the City of Sheridan, the Twin Lakes is currently sitting at 79% capacity with a high degree of certainty it will fill even in consideration of the lower snowpack from this winter.