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

SOUTH PLATTE. RIVER BASIN
as of March 1, 2005
*Based on selected stations
Snow accumulation in February failed to keep pace with the average snowfall resulting in a
lower snowpack percentage for the South Platte River Basin as of March 1. Snow surveys
indicate the March 1 snowpack is 80% of average. While this month's snowpack is 16% higher
than the snowpack measured last year at this time, unfortunately, it will ultimately contribute to
a string of eight consecutive years where the March 1 snowpack has been less than average.
Mountain precipitation during February was recorded at only 60% of average. The poor
showing in February caused the water year -to -date totals to also lag further behind the average.
Total precipitation since October 1 was reported to be 85% of average. At 99% of average,
reservoir storage for the basin is just slightly below average for this time of year. This year's
storage is up 20% when compared to reservoir storage totals from a year ago. Streamflows are
expected to be below to well below average throughout the basin. April -July forecasts range
from 54% of average for Antero Reservoir Inflow to 91 % of average for Boulder Creek near
Orodell.
Mountain Snowpack* (inches)
–X Current --*-- Average
--�— Maximum --0- Minimum
30
25
20
c
m
R
15
Cr
W
L
d
10
5
0
Jan
Feb Mar Apr May Jun
*Based on selected stations
Snow accumulation in February failed to keep pace with the average snowfall resulting in a
lower snowpack percentage for the South Platte River Basin as of March 1. Snow surveys
indicate the March 1 snowpack is 80% of average. While this month's snowpack is 16% higher
than the snowpack measured last year at this time, unfortunately, it will ultimately contribute to
a string of eight consecutive years where the March 1 snowpack has been less than average.
Mountain precipitation during February was recorded at only 60% of average. The poor
showing in February caused the water year -to -date totals to also lag further behind the average.
Total precipitation since October 1 was reported to be 85% of average. At 99% of average,
reservoir storage for the basin is just slightly below average for this time of year. This year's
storage is up 20% when compared to reservoir storage totals from a year ago. Streamflows are
expected to be below to well below average throughout the basin. April -July forecasts range
from 54% of average for Antero Reservoir Inflow to 91 % of average for Boulder Creek near
Orodell.