Colorado Basin Outlook Report March 1 2005

• Description: Colorado Basin Outlook Report March 1 2005
• State: CO
• Date: 3/1/2005
• Author: Green, Allen; Knight, Bruce
• Title: Colorado Basin Outlook Report March 1 2005
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Report/Study

GUNNISON RIVER BASIN
as of March 1, 2005
*Based on selected stations
Mountain Snowpack* (inches)
of average)
X Current -- A Average
200
—OF–Maximum --0 Minimum
30
180
25
20
AS
160
m
R
3
15
a'
W
Q:
10
5
120
0
Jan
Feb Mar Apr May Jun
*Based on selected stations
Snowpack accumulations in the Gunnison River Basin tapered off somewhat during February
when compared to earlier months. Despite this, February snowfall managed to slightly outpace
average accumulations for the basin. On March 1, basin snowpacks were measured at 133% of
average. This is also 133% of the snowpack measured a year ago at this time. In terms of
percent of average, this is the best March 1 snowpack the basin has seen since 1997. SNOTEL
data indicates that the basin snow water content has already exceeded the average annual peak
snow water content with over a month left to potentially accumulate even more water. At
102% of average, February precipitation was slightly higher than normal. Reflective of the
snowpack conditions, water year -to -date precipitation (since October 1) is well above average
at 131 % of average. Add to this the fact that the Gunnison is one of only two basins in the
state with above average reservoir storage (103% of average) and the water supply outlook for
the basin seems quite positive. Forecasts call for above to much above average spring and
summer runoff. April -July forecasts range from 105% of average for Tomichi Creek at
Gunnison to 158% of average for Surface Creek at Cedaredge.
Precipitation* (%
of average)
■Monthly ElYear -to -date
200
180
160
140
m
120
Q
0
100
c
80
L
d
p`
60-
40
20
0
Oct Nov Dec Jan
Feb Mar Apr May
Snowpack accumulations in the Gunnison River Basin tapered off somewhat during February
when compared to earlier months. Despite this, February snowfall managed to slightly outpace
average accumulations for the basin. On March 1, basin snowpacks were measured at 133% of
average. This is also 133% of the snowpack measured a year ago at this time. In terms of
percent of average, this is the best March 1 snowpack the basin has seen since 1997. SNOTEL
data indicates that the basin snow water content has already exceeded the average annual peak
snow water content with over a month left to potentially accumulate even more water. At
102% of average, February precipitation was slightly higher than normal. Reflective of the
snowpack conditions, water year -to -date precipitation (since October 1) is well above average
at 131 % of average. Add to this the fact that the Gunnison is one of only two basins in the
state with above average reservoir storage (103% of average) and the water supply outlook for
the basin seems quite positive. Forecasts call for above to much above average spring and
summer runoff. April -July forecasts range from 105% of average for Tomichi Creek at
Gunnison to 158% of average for Surface Creek at Cedaredge.