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<br />Jack Bvers, Deputv Director, Division of Water Resources <br />Mr. Byers was in attendance but had no report for this meeting. <br /> <br />Roger Pielke, Sr., State Climatologist. Colorado State Universitv <br />Mr. Pielke said the statewide precipitation was coming back up from what it was earlier. He <br />mentioned that January was the 54th driest water year, and that it is dry on the eastern plains and <br />the soil moisture should be a concern. Mr. Pielke said that it should be not as bad as 2002 but <br />worse than what we would like to see. He also said the SPI shows it will take a long time to get <br />out of the drought effects. Mr. Pielke's presentation can be seen on his website: <br />http://ccc.atmos.colostate.edu or along with all the other presentations from this drought meeting <br />at our website: http://cwcb.state.co.us/owc/DroughcPlanning/Presentations/Pres.040223.htm. <br /> <br />Treste Huse, National Weather Service, Short Term Weather Forecast <br />Ms. Huse stated that the forecast for tomorrow morning showed an unsettled weather pattern for <br />now, and there would be unstable conditions with the spring coming. She said there would be <br />wanning temperatures in the low 50's in Denver and higher 50's in Pueblo. Ms. Huse reported <br />that Saturday and next week would have cooler conditions again which would mainly affect the <br />western part of Colorado. She also said the southern part of the state would benefit most from <br />the upcoming showers. <br /> <br />Klaus Wolter, NOAA Climate Diagnostic Center, Long Term Weather Outlook <br /> <br />Mr. Wolter reported that there is hope for El Nino during the summer, but that it is not <br />impressive.--He does not expect El Nino for the spring. Mr. Wolter said the Arkansas Basin <br />improved the most moisture wise. He also said April is often our snowiest month on average, <br />and if El Nino comes back there will be more moisture in the southwestern part of the state. <br /> <br />The following executive summary from Klaus Wolter has been added to the minutes: <br /> <br />Executive summary (24 February 2004) <br /> <br />1. The most recent EI Nino event - declared over last June - is still trying to make a <br />comeback. Weak EI Nino conditions are the safest bet for the next few months, but I <br />would not be surprised to see EI Nino return in force later this year. However, it is not <br />likely that it will playa role before spring is over. <br />2. Except for a dry spell in mid-January, 2004 has seen a fairly active storm track over <br />Colorado, with a continued preference for the central and southern mountains to receive <br />the lion's share of the moisture. The next two weeks should see more of the same, with <br />the best chance for Front Range moisture over the coming weekend. <br />