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

UPPER COLORADO RIVER BASIN
as of March 1, 2002

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Mountain Snowpack. (inches)

"""",*-Current .........Average
_Maximum --+-Minimum

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Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun

.Based on selected stations

Precipitation. (% of average)

I_ Monthly BYear-lo-date :

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Oct Nov Dee Jan Feb Mar Apr May

While the snowpack measurements in the Upper Colorado Basin continue to be the highest
percent of average in the state, they are only 68% of average. There is only 82% of the amount of
snow there was last year at this time. All of the watersheds in the Colorado Basin are significantly
below average and range from only 53% of average in the Plateau Creek Watershed, to 75% of
average in the Williams Fork Watershed. Precipitation during February was only 66% of average
which is the lowest since October. The water year total is now only 69% of average. The
combined reservoir storage is about 85% of average on March I, and there is only 85% of the
storage there was last year at this time. As a result of the extremely dry weather pattern that has
plagued the entire State for most of the snow season, streamflow forecasts remain well below
average and are not likely to improve if significant snow accumulation and precipitation does not
occur during the next month.. The forecasts range from 60% of average at Muddy Creek below
Wolford Mtn. Reservoir, to 84% of average flow at the Inflow to Green Mountain Reservoir.

.J