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GUNNISON BASIN Basinwide Conditions Assessment The SWSI value for the month was 3.3. The Natural Resources Conservation Service reports that February 1 snowpack is 1490/0 of normal. Flow at the gaging station Uncompahgre River near Ridgway was 50.7 cfs, as compared to the long-term average of 45.2 cfs. Storage in Taylor Park, Crawford, and Fruitland reservoirs totaled 1180/0 of normal as of the end of January. Outlook The generous trend in the snowpack increase through December has also continued through January in the Gunnison Basin. As an example, the Crested Butte area, which was so dry in 2007, has already reached 100 percent of the seasonal averaqe snowpack. These statistics are tracking with the record runoff year of 1984. Visions of what looked to be a dismal snow season for 2008 have been erased by December and January accumulations, and the normally plentiful snowfall months of February and March are still ahead. If the trend continues, parts of the Gunnison Basin may be bracing for potential flooding conditions during spring runoff. When it rains it pours. Administrative/Manaqement Concerns As an update to the previous month's SWSI report regarding the mediation process for quantifying flows/flow- rights in the Black Canyon National Park, a hearing was held on January 18th. The parties have requested from the court an additional three months to mediate issues, yet still hold fast to the scheduled trial date of June/July 2009. Judge J. Steven Patrick granted the request and will decide by the middle of April whether the parties will continue to mediate a resolution or prepare for trial. Due to the higher than average inflow rates to the Aspinall Unit, the Gunnison River below the diversion tunnel is currently flowing at 2,120 cfs. This rate will most likely change as conditions warrant, primarily as the Bureau of Reclamation responds to the forecasted inflows and to accommodate for maintenance activities. Gunnison River flow rates below the diversion tunnel normally run about 500 cfs for this time of the year. Public Use Impacts Winter time public recreation, such as skiing and snowmobiling has been very good, and with the better than average accumulations, winter sport enthusiasts should be enjoying their snow activities for couple more months. Also, farmers in the Uncompahgre Valley typically rely on early releases from Ridgway Reservoir to wet their fields prior to the Gunnison Tunnel being turned on in April. This year should prove to be a good one for farmers in the Uncompahgre Valley to get a good start on the 2008 growing season. ~ 20,000 LL cb U <( s~ 15,000 o ---l LL W ~ 10,000 <( ---l :J ~ B 5,000 6 Feb-08 GJNNISON BASIN SNSI HISTORY I- 2 W S w1 ::J ....J <C > >< 0 w o ~ -1 >- 0:: o -2 -3 -4 Jan-gg Jal1-00 Jal1-01 Jan-D2 Jal1-03 Jan-04 Jal1-05 Jan-OO Jan-D7 Jal1-OO rvDNTH / YEAR UNCOVlPAHGRE RIVER NR RIDGWAY, FLOW BY WATER YEAR 25,000 o O:i Nov Dee Jan Feb rvlareh -----8-- WET (1984) ~ DRY (1977) ---fr-- A VG -* 2008 REPRESENTATIVE RESERVOI RS 90,000 80,000 70,000 Q3 Q) ~ 60,000 U co ai 50,000 0) co a 40,000 Q) :0 ~ 30,000 :J 20,000 10,000 Taylor Park Crawford Fruitland III!I Avg. 1/31 Contents 1Yil1 /31 /08 Contents