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-2- <br />Reservoir Storage <br />A summary of the status of select reservoir storage and reservoir capacity is provided in <br />Figure 1. While the precipitation in the South Platte River basin remained below averag <br />the wet summer and fall in 2004 (which reduced water demands) have improved most oi <br />reservoir levels. Figure 3 shows reservoir storage for Colorado with the overall South P; <br />estimated at 100 percent of average and 120 percent of last year. Figure 4 shows a little <br />for select reservoirs below Kersey (Empire, Riverside, Jackson, Prewitt, North Sterling, <br />With the recent April storm, the South F'latte Reservoirs, below Kersey, may all fill and ? <br />Snow Pack <br />Statewide snow pack for Colorado as of'April 2004 is shown in Figure 5. Overall snow <br />Colorado is 107 percent of average with. the western portion of the South Platte basin at <br />percent of average. The unusual precipi.tation that oceurred in California, Arizona and T <br />which continued on to provide above average precipitation in the Southwestern basins o <br />are reflected in the Gunnison, Rio Grani3e, San Juan, Animas, La Plata, and Southern Ai <br />basins. Figure 6 is a statewide time series of snow pack for Colorado. Of course, many <br />the above-average precipitation will signal an end to the multi-year drought, but it may i <br />anomaly "wet year" amidst a series of dry years in a more prolonged dronght. <br />The Surface Water Supply Index (SWS:0 is an indicator of mountain-based water suppl <br />developed by the Natural Resource Con.servation Office and the Colorado State Engine, <br />The SWSI is based on snow pack, reservoir storage, and precipitation for November tlu <br />During the winter, snow pack is given t]he most emphasis, except on the South Platte wl <br />storage is given the most weight. Durir.ig the summer actual stream flow conditions bq <br />replace snow pack. <br />;this year, <br />the <br />atte basin <br />nore detail <br />ulesburg). <br />pack for <br />70-89 <br />evada, <br />' Colorado, <br />zansas River <br />hope that <br />nlv be an <br />conditions <br />s Office. <br />ugh April. <br />.re reservoir <br />is to <br />The SWSI for Colorado as of April 1, 2004 is shown in Figure 8. The SWSI for the South Platte <br />basin is -.4 indicating near normal conditions. Last year at this time, the SWSI for the South Platte <br />basin was -1.7, which indicated moderate drought conditions. <br />III. SUIVIlVIARY <br />The wet summer and fall of 2004 has hi.-lped the South Platte get though seven years of <br />average snow pack. Fortunately, 2004 appears to be shaping up to be above average fol <br />snow pack. Unfortunately, the South Platte basin remains slightly below average. Lonj <br />forecasts have suggested a cloudy, cool spring, and an average season of summer monsi <br />These weather conditions and releases !Crom storage may help some, but expect lower tt <br />flows for the spring and summer unless, we see a significant shift in weather conditions. <br />)elow <br />statewide <br />rains. <br />average <br />Flood Protection • Water F'roject Planning and Finance • Stream and Lake Protection <br />Water Supply Protection • Conseroation Planning