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Reservoir Storage Good to excellent reservoir storage continues to be reported across Colorado. Nearly every basin is reporting above average storage, and very high storage volumes are reported in the Arkansas Basin, al 249% of average, and the Rio Grande Basin, at 151 % of average. The only basin reporting below average volumes is the Yampa, at 91 % of average. Statewide, reservoir storage is 138% of average, and is 106% of last year's volumes. These stalewide totals amount to nearly 1.2 million acre-feet above the average mark for this time of year. Most basins are reporting higher volumes than last year at this time. Only the Gunnison and Yampa are below last year's volumes, while the Colorado Basin is reporting the same volumes of last year. Streamflow Colorado's improved snowpack has contributed to welcome improvements in the forecasts for summer runoff. Most of the state can now anticipate near average streamflow volumes this year. However, there remain sizable portions of the state where volumes remain below average. Those basins include Ihe Little Snake, Laramie, and White ri vers across northern Colorado. Across central Colorado, the Roaring Fork, Gunnison, and the headwaters of the Arkansas and Rio Grande are expected to produce below average volumes. Forecasts decrease even lower toward Ihe soulh central portion of the state. The lowest forecasts. calling for volumes of only 50% to 70% of average, are focused on the San Juan and lower Rio Grande rivers. While the improved snowpack has significantly reduced the area of greatest concern, there remain a number of water users who will be impacted by this year's early-winter snow drought. SURFACE WATER SUPPLY INDEX APRIL 1, 2000 Abundant Supply Near Normal Moderate Drought Severe Oroughl ElI1reme Drought The Surface Water Supply Index (SWSI) is a weighted value derived for each major basin, which generallY expresses the potential availability of the forthcoming season's water supply. The components used in computing the index are reservoir storage, snowpack water equivalent, and precipitation. The SWSI number for each basin ranges from a -4.0 (prospective water supplies extremely poor) to a +4.0 (prospective water supplies plentiful). The SWSI number is only a general indicator of surface water supply condition. Further data analysis may be required in specific situations to more fully understand the impacts of abnormally dry or wet conditions suggested by the SWSI. Development of the SWSI has been a cooperative effort between the Colorado State Engineer's Office and the Natural Resources Conservation Service.