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

SAN MIGUEL, DOLORES, ANIMAS, AND SAN JUAN RIVER BASINS
as of JanuaTy 1, 2003

Mountain Snowpack- (Inches)

--+E-Currenl -A--Average
___Maximum -+-Minimum

45
40
35
c 30
-
c
~ 25
.
~
,
.,. 20
w
~
.
-
. 15
~
10
5

/
./ r--... /
./
./
7'
--. L..---""" ............
..... /" ""
'\
....- ~

o
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun

-Based on sdecled stations

Precipitation- (0/. of average)

I_Monthly DYear.lo-dale I

.
C> 80
~
.
>
'"
- 60
0
-
c
.
u
~
. 40
0..

o

Oct Nov Dee Jan Feb Mar Apr May

These basins have been fortunate enough to receive at least moderate amounts of snow from
storms that moved in from the south and southwest this snow season. Measurements are at 84% of
average on January I, which is significantly higher than the other basins in southern Colorado.
Weather conditions permitting, there is still hope for these basins to receive enough snow this
season to end up above average by April I, and relieve the water shortages brought on by last
year's dismal snow amounts. Snowpack measurements range from 76% of average in the San
Juan Basin, to 103% of average in the Dolores Basin. Precipitation during December was only
68% of average, and the water ycar total is 90% of average. There has been about 40% more
precipitation compared to last water year at this time. Reservoirs in these basins havc only 56% of
their average storage amount for this time of year. There is only 69% ofIast ycar's storagc. The
early forecasts for the nmoff season are all below averagc. They rangc from 64% of averagc at thc
inflow to Navajo Reservoir, to 81 % of average on the San Migucl Rivcr ncar Placervillc.