Summary of Select Storage and Flow Conditions

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Reservoir Storage A summary of the sta.tus of select reservoir storage and reservoir capacity is atta.ched on the second page and fourth pages of the handout. Again many reservoirs filled this year, and as a result, the current storage is approximately 50% higher than at the same time last year. Snow Pack According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, fifth page of the handout, most of the South Platte Basin in Colorado is not expected to be abnormally dry, or in drought conditions at all. However, it is important to note that this is not true for the South Platte River in Nebraska. In addition, many of the other major river basins in Colorado are not expected to be in drought conditions. While it is still very early fall, many of the snotel sites are above average, the exceptions being the Rio Grande and San Miguel, Dolores, Animas, and San Juan River Basins. Importantly, the South Platte River Basin is at 125% of average. III. SUMMARY It is still not clear whether 2005 was merely an anomaly among a longer drought that will continue into the future, or whether it is the end of the drought. Initial signs may suggest that 2006 could be wetter than average in Colorado, generally. This could be especially beneficial to water users building on a demonstrably better 2004-2005 water year than the previous five years. N. INTERNET REFERENCES • Colora.do Stream Flow Data - http://dwr.state.co.us/hydrology/flow search.asp • Surface Water Supply Index - http:/lwww.ca.nres.usda.gov/snow • Snow Pack - http://www.co.nres.usda.gov/snow • Snow Water Equivalent - http://www.co.nres.usda.gov/snow • Reservoir Storage - http://www.co.nres.usda.gov/snow • Stream Flow Forecast - http://www.co.nres.usda.gov/snow