WSP12941

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

UPPER COLORADO RIVER BASIN
as of January 1,2004

Mountain Snowpack* (Inches)

Precipitation' (% of average)

-K-Current --"'-Average
___Maximum -+-Minimum

[_Monthly OYear~lo.dale I

25

140

120

20
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60

40

20

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,

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Jan Fob Mar Apr May Jun

Oct Nav Dee Jan Feb Mar Apr May

'Based on selected stations

The snowpack measurements at SNOTEL sites in the Colorado Basin are 91 % of average and is
just slightly less than last year, at 98% of those readings. The highest percentages were measured
on the Grand Mesa while the lowest percentages were measured in the Blue River Drainage.
Most of the water year precipitation occurred during November, and the current water year totals
are now 89% of average. Reservoir storage has steadily improved since last August and is now
86% of average and is more than two times last year's storage volumes on this date. With the best
snowpack conditions on the Grand Mesa, those streams originating along the Mesa have the best
outlook for summer runoff. Meanwhile, forecasts along the main stem of the Colorado River,
consistently range from 80% to 85% of average. Water users can still hope for a wet month
which could easily improve the outlook for summer water supplies.