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

SOUTH PLATIE RIVER BASIN
as of February 1, 2004

Mountain Snowpack* (inches)

Precipitation* (% of average)

--*-Cmrent --.-Average
_Maximum -+-Minimum

I_ Monthly IiIYear-to-date I

30

120

20

25
C 20
...;-
C
Gl
~ 15
:J
tr
W
...
Gl
-
~ 10
5

100

Gl
C> 80
f!
Gl
~
'0 60
-
C
Gl
~
:. 40

o

o
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun

Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May

*Based on selected stations

Snowpack measurements in the South Platte Basin are only 65% of average on February 1, which
is slightly below the percent of average on January 1. There is about the same amount of snow in
the basin as there was last year at this time. The measurements are highly variable throughout the
basin, ranging from only 53% of average in the Upper South Platte Watershed, to 78% of average
in the Big Thompson and Clear Creek watersheds. Precipitation during January was only 71 % of
average. The water year total remains at only 71 % of average. The combined reservoir storage for
31 major reservoirs in the basin is 81 % of average, which is about 57% more storage than last
year at this time. All of the streamflow forecasts for the runoff season are below, to much below
average at this time. They are highly variable ranging from only 21 % of average at the Inflow to
Antero Reservoir, to 91 % of average on Boulder Creek near Grodell.