WSP12938

• File Number: 8040.800
• Description: Water Resources for Colorado
• State: CO
• Date: 4/1/2004
• Author: US Dept of Agriculture - Natural Resoruces Conservation Service
• Title: Colorado Basin Outlook Report April 1, 2004
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Data

GUNNISON RIVER BASIN
as of April 1, 2004

Mountain Snowpack* (inches)

Precipitation* (% of average)

:~Curre~t --.-Average

'___Maximum -+-:,,1inimum :

i. ~.1onthly E1Year-to-date i

30

160
140
120
Q)
C)
IV 100
...
Q)
>
c{
- 80
0
-
c
Q)
e 60
Q)
l1.
40

25
c 20
~
c
CI
j;j
> 15
"5
C"
UJ
...
Q)
-
IV 10
3:
5

20

o

o
Jan Feb r..1ar Apr t.1ay Jun

Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May

*Based on selected stations

\Varm, dry conditions during ~farch have reduced the snowpack measurements in the Gunnison
Basin from slightly above average levels on lvlarch I, to only 74% of average on April 1. This
drop is a result of the combination of lack of additional snowfall, as well as a significant loss of
existing snowpack due to melting. The drop in sno\vpack percent of average is one of the largest
1vlarch decreases on record. :iVleasurements range from 71 % of average in the Uncompahgre
vVatershed, to 84% of average in the Surface Creek \Vatershed. Precipitation during March was
only 34% of average. The total precipitation this water year has been 84% of average. Reservoirs
have been taking advantage of the early runoff, improving their storage amounts from 93% of
average on 1rIarch 1, to 105% of average on April 1. The storage amount is 29% above last year's
storage. Unfortunately, the runoff forecasts have been significantly lowered relative to last
month's forecasts. :NIost of the forecasts are much below average, and range from only 44% of
average on Tomichi Creek at Gunnison, to 78% of average at the Inflow to Ridgeway Reservoir.