WSP12945

• File Number: 8040.800
• Description: Water Resources for Colorado
• State: CO
• Date: 1/1/2003
• Author: US Dept of Agriculture - Natural Resoruces Conservation Service
• Title: Colorado Basin Outlook Report January 1, 2003
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Data

UPPER RIO GRANDE RIVER BASIN
as of January 1, 2003

Jan

Feb

Mar

Apr

May

Precipitation. (% of average)
I_Monthly DYear-to.dale I
120
100
. - -
'" 80
.
"
.
>
"
- 80 -
0
-
c
.
u
"
. 40
Q. ,
i
I
20 ---
,
0
Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May

Mountain Snow pack. (inches)

---+E-Current -'-Average
___Maximum ~Mlnimum

25

20
.5
-
c 15
.
;;;
.~
,
0-
W
" 10
J'!
.
;:
5

o

-Based on selected stations

Low snowpack measurements that have plagued the Rio Grande Basin for the past few years are
not letting up, and this year's January I measurements are once again the lowest in the state at
only 67% of average. Although there is 32% more snow now than last year at this time, the
amount is significantly below what will be required to replenish the water supply shortages in this
basin. Measurements range from only 57% of average in the Alamosa Creek Watershed, to 83%
of average in the Culebra and Trinchera Watersheds. Precipitation was only 49% of average
during December, and the water year total is only 80% of average. There has been 45% more
precipitation this water year compared to last water year by this time. Reservoirs in the basin
have only 59% of their average storage amount for this time of year. There is only 83% of the
storage amount there was last year at this time. Most of the streamnow forecasts are much below
average at this time, with the exception of forecasted nows on Costilla Creek, which are mound
95% of average.