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

UPPER RIO GRt\NDE BA.SIN
as of lVlarch 1, 2004

Mountain Snowpack* (inches)

Precipitation* (% of average)

'-*-Current -'-Average
__r..1aximum ----.-rviinimum :

\_r,,10nthly IBYear-to-date I

25

160
140
120
Q)
C)
~ 100
L-
ea
>
<(
- 80
0
-
l:
C)
u 60
L-
ea
D.

20

20
l:
...:
l: 15
~
~
.~
:3
C"
W
L- 10
Q)
-
III
==
5

40

o

o
Jan

Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May

Feb

Mar

Apr

Tv1 ay

*Based on selected stations

The Rio Grande Basin is enjoying one of the best snow seasons since 2001. Snowfall during
February has boosted the measurements from an already impressive 106% of average on February
1, to 108% of average on 1'Iarch 1. There is 50% more snow than there was last year at this time.
lYIeasurements range from only 100% of average in the Culebra and Trinchera Creek watersheds,
to 117% of average in the Alamosa Creek \Vatershed. The precipitation during February was
121 % of average, and the water year total is now 103% of average~ Reservoir storage in the six
major reservoirs combined remains extremely low at only 43% of average, which is only 70% of
last year's storage. 1'10st of the streamflow forecasts are at or near average at this time, which
should help to relieve much of the reservoir storage deficit during the upcoming runoff season. If
the seasons wet pattern continues through rvIarch forecasts could be expected to be well above
average at many of the points next month. Forecasts range from 83% of average at Cu1ebra Creek
at San Luis, to 103% of average on the Conejos River near NIogote.