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l UOJ854 r COLORADO - NEW MEXICO WATER SUPPLY OUTLOOK May 19, 1987 COLORADO Recent snow surveys indicate a below average snowpack throughout most of Colorado. This condition is due to the warm, dry weather during the first half of May. The warm temperatures have induced snowmelt throughout the state, especially at elevations below 10,500 feet. Many of the automated SNOTEL sites are showing a melt of about 1/2-1 inch of water per day. Streamflow forecasts are below average in the Colorado. Gunnison, Yampa, White and North and South Platte River basins. Above average volume forecasts are in the Arkansas, San Miguel, Dolores, Animas and San Juan River basins. The highest flows are forecast in the Rio Grande basin. High streamflow volumes along the main stem of the Rio Grande will create bankfull conditions as temperatures in the mountains increase during the next several weeks. Most other streamflows around the state should see peak flows one to two weeks ahead of normal if the present trend continues. NEW MEXICO No snow course readings are scheduled for May 15, however, SNOTEL 81tes are showing that the ~ajority of sites havE ~elted out. reak flows have already occurred on some of the smaller tributaries. The Rio Grande at Otowi has observed over 850,000 acre-feet of water during the March-mid-May period. With reservoir storage at an all time high. The water supply outlook is excellent for this year. Although weather conditions have been abnormally dry during April and Kay throughout Colorado and New Kexico, streamflow forecasts have not changed at this time. However, if the present weather trends continue, some forecasts may be revised to reflect the ~ry conditions after the last snow survey of the season, on June 1.