SWSIReportSept2007 - Laserfiche WebLink

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GUNNISON BASIN Basinwide Conditions Assessment The SWSI value for the month was -1.2. Flow at the gaging station Uncompahgre River near Ridgway was 168 cfs, as compared to the long-term average of 165 cfs. Storage in Taylor Park, Crawford, and Fruitland reservoirs totaled 970/0 of normal as of the end of August. Outlook Healthy reservoir levels at the beginning of the irrigation season have helped to bring the Gunnison River Basin water users through the generally hot and dry summer. Natural streamflow quickly diminished throughout the basin by July and early reservoir releases for irrigation needs have depleted many reservoirs (such as Fruitland Reservoir, Fruitgrowers Reservoir, Overland Reservoir, and Paonia Reservoir) in the North Fork area by the end of August. Reservoirs on the Grand Mesa continue to supplement natural streamflow in the Kannah, Surface, and Ward Creek drainages and should have good carry-over for next year. As of this report, "on-call" situations exist on many tributaries in the upper Gunnison River basins. Especially affected by lack of winter and spring precipitation is the East River Basin in the vicinity of Crested Butte, with some tributaries (Coal Creek and Washington Gulch) running dry by mid-August, with the Slate River experiencing an instream flow call by Colorado Water Conservation Board. By the end of August, Blue Mesa Reservoir was approximately 740,000 acre-feet or about 890/0 of capacity. Administrative/Manaaement Concerns August is the wettest month of the year in western Colorado. Rainfall totals have been at or above average for most areas of the Gunnison Basin, with the exception of the East River Basin and its tributaries. August is haying season for most of the upper Gunnison River area, temporarily reducing demand for irrigation water. And, while the recent rains have helped natural streamflow improve somewhat, many farmers are contending with putting up hay and alfalfa in less than ideal conditions. In addition, the monsoon rains and temporary reductions in demand due to hay cutting has helped users avoid a call from the Uncompahgre Valley Water Users Association at the M & D canal on the Uncompahgre River and the Gunnison Tunnel on the Gunnison River. Increased flow in the lower Gunnison River has also resulted in avoiding a call from The Redlands Power Canal. Sep-07 GJNNISQ\j BASIN S/IJS. HISTORY 4.0 3.0 I- 2.0 W S W 1.0 :J ---l <( > x 0.0 w o ~ -1.0 >- 0:: o -2.0 -3.0 -4.0 Jan-97 Jan-98 Jan-99 Jan-OO Jan-01 Jan-02 Jan-03 Jan-04 Jan-05 Jan-06 MONTH / YEAR UNCCXvPAJ--IGRE RIVER NR RIDGWAY, FLOW BY WATER YEAR 250,000 Q) 200,000 (1) LL a, t5 <( S- 150,000 o .....J LL W ~ 100,000 <( .....J ::J ~ a 50,000 6