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

ARKANSAS BASIN

Basinwide Conditions Assessment
The SWSI value of 2.5 indicates that for June the
basin water supplies were above normal. Flow at the gaging
station Arkansas River near Portland was 2,784 cfs, as
compared to the long-term average of 2,362 cfs. Storage in
Turquoise, Twin Lakes, Pueblo, and John Martin reservoirs
totaled 197% of normal as of the end of June.

Outlook
The water supply situation in the Arkansas River
Basin remains very good. Since May 9th there has been a
general free river condition on the mainstem of the Arkansas
River and on many tributaries. This condition is expected to
end the second week of July.
Runoff on the Arkansas River peaked at the
Wellsville stream gage during the fourth week of June,
reaching approximately 3,400 cfs. While this peak value is a
typical high, it occurred about two weeks later than normal.

Administrative/Management Concerns
A few remaining non-exempt tributary wells still exist
in the basin that do not have augmentation or approved
replacement plans. It has been difficult to find replacement
water for these wells due to a lack of replacement water
sources on their specific tributaries. Finding replacement
supplies to make up for depletions caused by these
structures has been very difficult and has become clouded in
either the political or court process.

Public Use Imoacts
The slow and steady rise in flows to a runoff peak,
and the lack of upstream reservoir operations, have
produced an excellent river for the rafting industry so far this
summer. Full reservoirs have also provided superior surface
areas for boating activities.

Jul-99

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