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

ARKANSAS RIVER BASIN
as of March 1, 2000

Mountain snowpack* (inches)

I

.~
'1

~Currenl -'-Average
___Maximum --+-Minimum

I'>

18

16

14

.5 12

.-
c
..
OJ 10
>
'a
ilf 8
..
..
~
..
==

6

4

2

o

Jan

Feb

May

Mar

Apr

*Based on selected stations

160
140- .
120 --
..
Dl
l!! 100- .
..
>
c:c
- 80
0
...
c
..
e 60
..
11.
40
20- .

Precipitation' (% of average)

I_Monthly DYear-lo-dale I

0-

Del Nov Dee Jan Feb Mar Apr May

Much of the Arkansas Basin received very little snowfall during February dropping the
accumulation from 62 % of average on February 1, to 61 % of average on March I. The drainage
area above Salida was an exception and did receive enough snowfall to boost its snowpack
accumulation from 70% of average to 76% of average. Precipitation was only 76% of average
through February, and the water year total is now 83% of average. The combined reservoir
storage in the basin remains in great shape at 256% of average, which is 21 % more storage than
last year at this time. The Clear Creek Reservoir is the only reservoir with below average storage
at only 76%. The streamflow forecasts remain below average and many of the forecasts remain
unchanged from last month with the exception of those above Salida, which increased due to the
additional snow accumulation during February. Forecasts range from only 69% of average on the
Cucharas River near La Veta, to 83% of average on the Arkansas River at Salida.

P
I
./