Colorado Water Supply Oulook Report April 1 2003

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Avg, DAF) '03 89 92 30 .2 3 L 1UPPER COLORADO RIVER BASIN Ias of April 1, 2003 Mountain Snowpack* (inches) —X Current — A Average --�— Maximum Minimum 25 20 C .ai 15 a W 10 R 5 0 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun *Based on selected stations Snowfall during March was very similar to the amounts that felt during February, improving the measurements to just above average on April 1 in the Colorado Basin. While these measurements are extremely welcome, they are still below the amounts needed to significantly reduce the recent water shortages. Unfortunately, the snowpack is not likely to improve further unless this spring season is unusually wet. Measurements in the basin range from 85% of average in the Plateau Creek Watershed, to 122% of average in the Willow Creek Watershed. Precipitation during March was 131% of average, which was the largest monthly accumulation this water year. The water year total is now 97% of average. Reservoirs in the basin remain extremely low for this time of year at only 36% of average storage for the end of March. Most of the stream forecasts have improved from last month, and many are at or near average. They range from 78% of average on the Roaring Fork at Glenwood Springs, to 108% of average at the inflow to Willow Creek Reservoir.