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

SAN MIGUEL, DOLORES, ANIl\tIAS, AND SAN JUAN RIVER BASINS
as of lVlarch 1, 2004

Mountain Snowpack* (inches)

~Current --.-Average

_Maxi:num ---+-r..1inimum

45

160
140
120
GI
C)
III 100
...
GI
>
<t
- 80
0
....
E:
0
u 60
...
C)
0..
40
20
0,
Oct

40

35

E: 30

...:
t:
"* 25
.~
:J
S" 20
...
GI
....
III 15
==

10

5

o
Jan Feb r-..1ar Apr tv1ay jun

*Based on selected statio;,$

Precipitation* (% of average)

- I
l_r,,1onthly DYear-to-date ,

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~
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i

Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May

These basins are enjoying the best snow season since 1997. Abundant snowfall during February
has bumped the sno\vpack measurements from 102% of average on February 1, to 105% of
average on wIarch 1. There is 36% more snow than last year at this time. The measurements range
from 100% of average in the Dolores River Basin. to 115% of average in the San Juan River
..... '.....

Basin. Precipitation during February was 124% of the average, and the water year total is now
100% of average. Reservoirs in the basins have a combined storage level of only 67% of average,
but at least the levels are 18% higher than last year at this time. Streamflow forecasts are slightly
higher than last month, making most of them at near average, with a few that are well above
average. Forecasts range from 88% of average on the La Plata River at Hesperus, to 113% of
average on the Piedra River near ...\Tboles.
.....