WSP11390

• File Number: 8040.970
• Description: Basin Outlook Reports
• State: CO
• Date: 1/1/2000
• Author: USDOA
• Title: Colorado Basin Outlook Report
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Publication

GUNNISON RIVER BASIN
as of March I, 2000

Mountain snowpack' (inches)

Precipitation' (% of average)

~Current -'-Average
___Maximum -+-Minimum

I_Monlhly DYear-lo-date I

~

30

160
140
120
..
Dl
.. 100
~
..
>
<
- 80
0
...
c
..
u 60
~
..
Do

25

.5 20
.-
c
..
OJ
.~ 15
::I
CT
W
..
..
-
.. 10
==
5

40-

20 -

0-

o
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun

Oct Nov Dee Jan Feb Mar Apr May

*Based on selected stations

Although the amount of snow in the Gunnison Basin is only 76% of average on March 1, it is a
far cry better than two months ago when it was only 32% of average. The improved conditions
can be attributed to slightly above average snowfall during January and February. There is 89%
of the amount of snow there was last year on March 1. The Uncompahgre Watershed has the
highest snowpack percentage in the basin at 84% of average while the Upper Gunnison
Watershed is only 73% of average. Precipitation in the lower elevations was 123% of average
during February, and the water year total is now 81 % of average. The combined reservoir storage
in the basin remains in good shape at 131 % of average, which is about the same as last year on
March 1. The improved snowpack conditions has led to improved streamflow forecast, but they
still remain well below average for most of the forecast points. The highest forecasts is just above
80% of average on the Taylor River below Taylor Park Reservoir, while the lowest forecast is at
the inflow to Paonia Reservoir at only 63% of average.