WSP12939

• File Number: 8040.800
• Description: Water Resources for Colorado
• State: CO
• Date: 3/1/2004
• Author: US Dept of Agriculture - Natural Resoruces Conservation Service
• Title: Colorado Basin Outlook Report March 1, 2004
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Data

YAl\1PA, \\THITE, NORTH PL.ATTE AND LARAMIE RIVER BASINS
as of March 1,2004

Mountain Snowpack* (inches)

Precipitation* (% of average)

- ~Current -A-Average!

'__Maximur.1 ~Minimum

i.Monthl" ElYear-to-date I
J .

35

5

180
160
140
C1
C) 120
l'G
L-
a>
> 100
<(
-
0
- 80
c:
a>
u
L-
a> 60
a..
40
20

30

25

c:

...:
c:
~ 20
~
.~
:::s
tT
W 15
L-
a>
-
r.s
3: 10

o
Jan Fe:> Mar Apr r.1ay Jun

0,
Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May

*Based on selected stations

Snowfall during February was just enough to keep the measured accumulation nearly the same
percent of average as last month. Snowpack measurements in the North Platte Basin are 81 % of
average~ while the Yampa and \Vhite basins have measurements at 89% of average. These
measurements are slightly below the measurements last year at this time. The Elk River
\Vatershed is the best oft~ at 93% of average~ while the Laramie Basin is only 78% of average.
Precipitation in these basins during February was only 77% of average, which brought the water
year total down to only 85% of average. The two major reservoirs in these basins remain at 110%
of average storage volume for this time of year, which is 119% of the storage volume last year at
this time. Streamflow forecasts for the runoff season are slightly lower than last month at many
of the forecast points, and most are well below average. Forecasts range from only 74% of
average on the Laramie River near \Voods, to 100% of average at Little Snake River near Dixon.
~ ~

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