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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SOUTH PLATTE BASIN

Feb-02

Basinwide Conditions Assessment
The SWSI value of -1.9 indicates that for January the
basin water supplies were below normal. Reservoir storage, the
major component in this basin in computing the SWSI value,
was 82% of normal as of the end of January. Cumulative
storage in the major plains reservoirs: Julesberg, North Sterling,
and Prewitt, is at 72% of capacity. Cumulative storage in the
major upper-basin reservoirs: Cheesman, Eleven Mile, Spinney,
and Antero is at 81.6% of capacity. The Natural Resources
Conservation Service reports that February 1 snowpack is 49%
of normal. Flow at the gaging station South Platte River near
Kersey was 609 cfs, as compared to the long-term average of
852 cfs. Flow at the Colorado/Nebraska state line averaged
273 cfs.

Outlook
. Reservoir storage continued in January for the plains
reservoirs, with the most reservoirs on the plains reaching their
winter storage levels. Of note, over 9,000 acrewfeet was stored
in Jackson Reservoir during January. The reservoir had been
evacuated for maintenance of the dam and began filling
again in January, The 9,000 acre-feet is approximately 50% of
the winter safe storage level of this reservoir. Thus, it appears
all the major reservoirs on the plains and along the tributaries
will fill this winter.

Filling reservoirs is very important, as snow pack is only
approximately 50% throughout the basin. The longer snow
pack falls significantly below average, the more concern for next
year's water supply. WithQut average snowfall the next couple
of months, there could be shortages for some irrigation users
without wells or reservoir water to supplement direct flow
surface diversions. Municipal suppliers have a higher safety
factor. . With the exception of a few small suppliers. there is not
a concern about adequate municipal supplies .for this summer.

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SOUTH RATTE RIVER />R I<ERSEY. FLON fr{ WATER VI;AR

700.000 --....- u__

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REPRESENTATIVE ReSERVOlAS

250.000

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200,000

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