WSP12940

• File Number: 8040.800
• Description: Water Resources for Colorado
• State: CO
• Date: 2/1/2004
• Author: US Dept of Agriculture - Natural Resoruces Conservation Service
• Title: Colorado Basin Outlook Report February 1, 2004
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Data

GUNNISON RIVER BASIN
as of February 1,2004

Mountain Snowpack* (inches)

Precipitation* (% of average)

-*-Current -.-Average
_Maximum --'-Minimum

I_ Monthly Ill!JYear-to-date 1

30

160
140
120
Gl
Ol
f! 100
Gl
~
.... 80
0
-
c
~ 60
Gl,
Do
40

25
C 20
...;-
C
Gl
~ 15
'S
tT
W
'-
Gl
-
~ 10
5

20

o

o
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun

Oct Nov Dee Jan Feb Mar Apr May

*Based on selected stations

Additional snow since January 1 fell primarily during the very early part of the month, at which
time accumulations reached nearly 40% above average in the Gunnison Basin, but snowfall
amounts during the rest of the month were nearly zero and total accumulations on February 1 are
only 1 % above average, which is 4% of average less than last month. There is 136% of the
amount of snow there was last year on February 1. Precipitation during January was 91 % of
average. The total precipitation this water year has been 96% of average. Reservoir storage in the
basin is at 86% of average, which is 25% above the amount last year at this time. Hopefully, the
favorable snowpack conditions will carry into the runoff season allowing enough flow to
adequately fill the reservoirs. Currently, streamflow forecasts are reflective of the snowpack
levels at near average for most of the forecast points. Forecasts range from only 74% of average at
Tomichi Creek at Gunnison, to 100% of average on the Slate River near Crested Butte.