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

UPPER COLORADO RIVER BASIN
as of March 1, 2005
*Based on selected stations
Mountain Snowpack* (inches)
(% of average)
--- Current --— Average
-to -date
--f— Maximum Minimum
25
140
20
c
120
15
a'
LU.3
W
100
10
a�
5
0
Jan
Feb Mar Apr May Jun
*Based on selected stations
The Upper Colorado River Basin lost some ground in terms of snowpack conditions during
February essentially canceling the minimal gains the basin saw during January. Measurements
in the basin indicate the snowpack is currently 98% of average. Although the snowpack is
slightly below average, on the positive side, this is an 18% increase in the snowpack measured
last year at this time. Also, while only slightly better than the snowpacks of 1998, 2000 and
2003, this is still the highest March 1 percentage recorded in the basin since 1997. February
precipitation was below average at 80% of average and 100% of the monthly precipitation
measured last year. Despite the reduced precipitation during February, total precipitation for
the water year beginning October 1 managed to remain near, although slightly below, average.
End of February measurements indicate reservoir storage in the basin remains below average.
Current reservoir storage totals are also below those reported a year ago. Most of the forecast
points in the basin can expect 75% to 85% of average runoff. The highest volumes, in terms of
percent of average, are expected for the Willow Creek Reservoir Inflow at 104% of average
and the Roaring Fork at Glenwood Springs at 99% of average.
Precipitation*
(% of average)
-to -date
■Monthly OYear
140
120
W
100
a�
a
80
r
=
60
Q
L
d
a
40
S
20
A
�
0
Oct Nov Dec
Jan Feb Mar Apr May
The Upper Colorado River Basin lost some ground in terms of snowpack conditions during
February essentially canceling the minimal gains the basin saw during January. Measurements
in the basin indicate the snowpack is currently 98% of average. Although the snowpack is
slightly below average, on the positive side, this is an 18% increase in the snowpack measured
last year at this time. Also, while only slightly better than the snowpacks of 1998, 2000 and
2003, this is still the highest March 1 percentage recorded in the basin since 1997. February
precipitation was below average at 80% of average and 100% of the monthly precipitation
measured last year. Despite the reduced precipitation during February, total precipitation for
the water year beginning October 1 managed to remain near, although slightly below, average.
End of February measurements indicate reservoir storage in the basin remains below average.
Current reservoir storage totals are also below those reported a year ago. Most of the forecast
points in the basin can expect 75% to 85% of average runoff. The highest volumes, in terms of
percent of average, are expected for the Willow Creek Reservoir Inflow at 104% of average
and the Roaring Fork at Glenwood Springs at 99% of average.