WSP13019 ‎(2)‎

• File Number: 8040.800
• Description: Colorado Water Resources
• State: CO
• Basin: Statewide
• Date: 7/1/1999
• Author: Division of Water Resources
• Title: Colorado Water Supply Conditions Update Reports
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Data

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YAMPAlWHITE BASIN

Jun-01 '.

Basinwide Conditions Assessment
The SWSI value of -0.9 indicates that for May the
basin water supplies were near normal. Flow at the gaging
station Yampa River at Steamboat was 1 ;552 efs, as
compared to the long-term average of 1,627 cfs.
While early May brought much needed snow to the
basin, by the end of the month near record 'temperatures
had melted much of the upper level snowpack. Runoff for all
the major rivers and s~reams p~aked during May, many at
least three weeks soon~r then normal. By the end of the
month most snowtel sites were dry. Basin-wide precipitation
Was 82% of average and only 72% of last May. Fortunately,
most reservoirs are nearly full.

Outlook
The June 16t forecast for the most probable spring
runoff based on current conditions are; 56% of average for
the North Platte River near Northgate. 66% of average for
the White River near Meeker, 62% for the little Snake River
near Lily and 68% of average for the Yampa River near
Maybel!. These predictions are the same or slightly tower
then those from the May'1st forecast. At the end of May, the'
snowpack was only 31 % of average for the North Platte
drainage and 29% of average for the White and Yampa
. Rivers. Stream flows are expected to decrease rapidly over
the next month. .

Administrative/Manaaement Concerns
Many of the smaller streams and .tributaries are
experiencing rapidly declining stream flows. Administration
has begun on many sY!3tems. Without substantial rainfall
these systems will be under administration for the remainder
of the summer.

Public Use Imoacts
River flows are beginning to decline after the early
runoff peaks. Water-related activities that depend on high
river flows will have a shOrtened season this year. Releases
from irrigation reservoirs are likely to begin earlier than
normal.

YAM>AWfTE BASIN SWl! HS'TCIRI'

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YAAlPA RIVER AT STEMtlQO.T, RIJN. BY,WA~ 'IVR

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