SWSIReportJuly2007 - Laserfiche WebLink

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YAMPAIWHITE BASIN Basinwide Conditions Assessment The SWSI value for the month was -3.7. Flow at the gaging station Yampa River at Steamboat was 570 cfs, as compared to the long-term average of 1729 cfs. June precipitation was below average for the basin. Precipitation for the month, as measured at the SNOTEL sites operated by the NRCS, was reported at approximately 71 % of average for the Yampa and White River basins and 650/0 of average for the North Platte River basin. Outlook The July forecast for the area, based on NOAA data, is for above normal temperatures and below normal to normal precipitation. Fish Creek Reservoir continued spilling until the last week of June and the storage level at the end of June was reported at slightly below capacity. Yamcolo Reservoir storage level declined in June and the reservoir was at approximately 81 % of capacity at the end of the month. Elkhead Creek Reservoir level also declined and the reservoir was at approximately 940/0 of its' enlarged capacity (approximately 24,900 acre-feet) at the end of June. Water stored in Fish Creek Reservoir is used primarily for municipal purposes, Yamcolo Reservoir for irrigation purposes, and Elkhead Creek Reservoir for municipal, industrial, recreation, and in the future, fish recovery releases. Administrative/Manaqement Concerns Middle Hunt Creek, Bear River, Little Bear Creek, South Hunt Creek, Piceance Creek, and Morapos Creek remained under administration throughout the month of June. In addition, calls were placed on the following in June: Deer Creek (June 1), Piceance Creek (June 1), Newcomb Creek (June 21), Illinois River (June 23), Fortification Creek (June 24), and Spring Creek (June 28). These creeks/rivers remain under administration. The River District is intending to release water from Elkhead Creek Reservoir this summer, which Division 6 is responsible for protecting through the Yampa River critical habitat reach. Public Use Impacts Elkhead Creek Reservoir opened on May 5 for day- use fishing and recreational activities after being closed for almost two years. A celebration of the completion of the reservoir enlargement is scheduled for July 11, 2007. The Colorado River District will recognize the collaborative efforts of local, state, and federal agencies at the event. Jul-07 YAII!IPA-WHITE BASIN SNSI HISTORY 4.0 3.0 2.0 f- W S 1.0 w :3 <( > 0.0 >< w o z - -1.0 >- a:: o -2.0 -3.0 -4.0 Jan-98 Jan-99 Jan-OO Jan-01 Jan-02 Jan-03 Jan-04 Jan-05 Jan-06 Jan-07 I\i1ONTH / YEAR YPMPA RIVER AT STEAMBOAT, FLOW BY WATER YEAR 700,000 600,000 Q) Q) d; 500,000 U <( ~ 400,000 .....J LL ~ 300,000 i= <( ~ 200,000 ::J u 100,000 o Oct Nov Dee Jan Feb March ppril May June July Aug Sept ---8---- V\ET (1984) --+- DRY (1977) ---a- AVG --* 2007 8