For a quarter century— through rain, drought, snow, hail and wind—employees at the White River Reservoir Water Treatment Plant in southwestern Dickens County have contributed official weather observations daily to the National Weather Service NWS Observing Program. On June, the facility was presented with a 25 Year Honored Institution plaque at the lake.
Observing Program Leader Gary Skwira shared some of the statistics the plant has collected during this time.
The highest 24-hour rainfall measured in the past quarter century was September 12, 2018, with 5.56 inches. The highest snowfall was a bit more recent — few have had time to forget the snowstorm of January 2021, when 6 inches fell on the plant, contributing to that year’s recordholding 16.6 total inches, far above that of 2015, with 10.1 annual inches.
The lowest annual rainfall recorded at the White River Reservoir station was only 8.39 inches for the entire year of 2011, compared with 2004’s whopping 40.94 inches or even the 22.47 total inches recorded for last year (2023).
White River Reservoir was built in 1963 to provide water for the towns of Post, Spur, Ralls, and Crosbyton.
September 1, 1997 - current
Start date: September 1, 1997 - current
Total service: 26+ years
Highest temperature observed: 113°F on August 27, 2019
Lowest temperature observed: 9°F on February 15, 2021
NOTABLE OBSERVATIONS
Highest 24 hour rainfall measured:
