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Completing the Report: Climate Change in Colorado: A Synthesis to Support <br /> Water Resources Management and Adaptation <br /> A Report for the Colorado Water Conservation Board <br /> Prospectus <br /> The Colorado Water Conservation Board has commissioned the NOAA -CU Western <br /> Water Assessment to prepare a report on the state of the science of the observations and <br /> projections of the physical impacts of climate change in order to understand their effects <br /> on water resources in the state of Colorado. This report is a synthesis of the state of the <br /> science regarding the physical aspects of climate change that are important for evaluating <br /> impacts on Colorado's water resources. It presents robust scientific analyses to support <br /> future investigations and to support state efforts to develop a water adaptation plan. <br /> Accordingly, the document focuses on observed trends, modeling, and projections of <br /> "hydroclimatic variables" — including temperature, precipitation, snowmelt, and runoff — <br /> that are important for Colorado's water supply, and on projections out to the mid -21st <br /> century that are relevant for adaptation strategies. It is aimed at planners, decisionrnakers, <br /> and policymakers in water in Colorado, and is intended to support other planning in the <br /> state including the State Water Supply Initiative; Colorado Water Supply Study, Front <br /> Range Vulnerability Study; Governor's Conference on Managing Drought and Climate <br /> Risks. The assessment of specific sensitivities and vulnerabilities of water supply and <br /> ecosystem impacts are beyond the scope of this report. <br /> Governor's Climate Change Action Plan sets out a goal to prepare the state to adapt to <br /> those climate changes "that cannot be avoided" (p3). Actions recommended include an <br /> investigation of vulnerabilities of the state's water supplies to climate change, analysis of <br /> impacts on interstate water compacts, and planning for severe drought, flooding and other <br /> risks of climate change. This project will also contribute to Colorado's Statewide Water <br /> Supply Initiative (SWSI) that has the overall objective to help the state maintain an <br /> adequate water supply for its citizens and the environment. The Western Governors' <br /> Association's report, "Water Needs and Strategies for a Sustainable Future," also calls for <br /> analysis and information sharing between scientists, policymakers, and water users to <br /> support preparations for climate change impacts. <br /> As a first step to support the actions in the Governor's plan, this project is developing a <br /> report outlining the physical, i.e., climate and hydrology, impacts of climate change on <br /> Colorado's water supplies. <br /> Funds were provided in FY08 for the first draft of the report. Second Phase of the project <br /> in FY2009, comments from reviewers will be incorporated, and a final report will be <br /> prepared by the University of Colorado Publications and Creative Services. The final <br /> document — about 60 color pages -- will available for the Governor's Conference on <br /> Mitigating Risks of Climate Change in October 2008; a pdf of the document will be <br />