Since the summer of 2024, Camas NWR has been experiencing drier than usual conditions, which has led to inevitable temporary impacts on the health of some of the refuge habitats, wildlife abundance, and the quality of the visitor experience. Given the forecasts of extremely low snowpack this year, and regional groundwater shortages, there is a very high probability of most or all refuge wetlands being completely dry, which will severely inhibit the opportunity to observe birds and wildlife for an indefinite long period.
The ponds and wetlands within the refuge depend on the natural cycles of available ground and surface water, which can change from year to year. Refuge staff use pumps to strategically enhance habitat for wildlife at certain times of year, all depending on precipitation and snowpack fluctuations. Precipitation and snowpack feeding Camas Creek this winter are among the lowest observed on record.
Habitat water supply at Camas relies in part on water rights regulated by the Idaho Department of Water Resources (IDWR) that determine where, when, and how much water can be diverted from surface water and pumped from wells. Surface water supply to refuge wetlands from Camas Creek was limited last year as creek flow was about 75 percent below average. This year, we anticipate worse shortages, or even complete drying of the creek, because of extreme low winter precipitation and snowpack resulting in a reduction in spring runoff. When surface water shortages happen and the creek dries early or does not flow to the refuge, groundwater wells are normally used to supplement wetlands. However, due to regional groundwater shortages since 2025 and ongoing drought conditions in the Eastern Snake River Plain Aquifer, Idaho Department of Water Resources temporarily closed certain groundwater wells – which is called curtailment.
Until regional groundwater shortages are relieved and the curtailment is lifted, the refuge will continue to practice water conservation and habitat mitigation where possible in the face of the water shortage facing our community. We will continue to monitor the impacts of the curtailment and water shortage on refuge wetlands and wildlife, while maintaining a safe experience for visitors.
In summary, there is a high probability that there will be no water on the Refuge which will severely inhibit the opportunity to observe birds and wildlife.
Thank you for your patience as we continue to do what we can with available resources for the refuge habitat needs while providing meaningful visitor experiences.
