WSP09347

• File Number: 8040.970
• Description: Basin Outlook Reports
• State: CO
• Date: 1/1/2002
• Author: USDOA
• Title: Colorado Basin Outlook Report
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Publication

SAN MIGUEL, DOLORES, ANIMAS, AND SAN JUAN RIVER BASINS
as of March 1, 2002

'.

Mountain Snowpack" (Inches)

Precipitation" (% of average)

.'

--*-Current ---*-Average
___Maximum ..-.-Minimum

I_Monthly I5IYear-to-date I

45
40
35
.5 30
-
"
..
ii 25
>
:;
0' 20
w
..
II
-
~ 15
10
5
0
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun

100
90.
80
II 70
Cl
l! 60
..
>
<
... 50
0
-
"
.. 40
e
..
0.. 30
20
10
o ,
Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May

"Based on selected stations

.

"

February was another dismal month for snow accumulation in these basins. March 1 snowpack
measurements are at only 45% of average, which is 6% of average less than last month. There is
only 46% of the amount of snow there was last year at this time. The snowpack is highly variable
from basin to basin, ranging from only 30% of average in the San Juan River Basin, to 53% of
average in the San Miguel Basin. Precipitation during February was nearly negligible, at only
28% of the average for the month. The water year total is now only 49% of average. Reservoirs
in the basins have a combined storage level of 79% of average, which is likely to decrease rapidly
unless there is a significant change in the dry weather pattern that has plagued the entire state this
snow season. All of the streamflow forecasts for the runoff season remain well below average
and are not likely to improve without a significant increase in snowpack and precipitation during
the next month. The forecasts range from only 38% of average at the Inflow to Vallecito
Reservoir, to 6 I % of average on the San Miguel River near Placerville.

~