Colorado Water Supply Oulook Report April 1 2003

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GUNNISON RIVER BASIN as of April 1, 2003 *Based on selected stations The April 1 snowpack measurements in the Gunnison Basin are very similar to the March 1 measurements. The amounts are about 86% of average this month, which is only 1% of average higher than last month. Unless this spring season is unusually wet, the snowpack measurements are unlikely to improve significantly between now and when the meltout begins. The snowpack measurements are relatively uniform ranging from 81 % of average in the Uncompahgre Watershed, to 88% of average in the Upper Gunnison Watershed. Precipitation during March was 88% of average, and the water year total is now 86% of average. There has been 29% more precipitation this water year compared to last water year by this time. Reservoir storage has begun to improve slightly, and now is 81 % of average. There is only 71 % of the amount there was last year at this time. Unfortunately, most of the streamflow forecasts have not improved since last month. All of the forecasts remain well below average and many have decreased since last month. They range from only 56% of average on the Uncompahgre River at Colona, to 84% of average on Tomichi Creek at Sargents. Mountain Snowpack* (inches) —X Current —A Average —i•— Maximum —0 Minimum 30 25 20 c m 15 W L d 10 "4 � 5 0 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun *Based on selected stations The April 1 snowpack measurements in the Gunnison Basin are very similar to the March 1 measurements. The amounts are about 86% of average this month, which is only 1% of average higher than last month. Unless this spring season is unusually wet, the snowpack measurements are unlikely to improve significantly between now and when the meltout begins. The snowpack measurements are relatively uniform ranging from 81 % of average in the Uncompahgre Watershed, to 88% of average in the Upper Gunnison Watershed. Precipitation during March was 88% of average, and the water year total is now 86% of average. There has been 29% more precipitation this water year compared to last water year by this time. Reservoir storage has begun to improve slightly, and now is 81 % of average. There is only 71 % of the amount there was last year at this time. Unfortunately, most of the streamflow forecasts have not improved since last month. All of the forecasts remain well below average and many have decreased since last month. They range from only 56% of average on the Uncompahgre River at Colona, to 84% of average on Tomichi Creek at Sargents.