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<br />of April 22-24 helped boost the current snowpack even beyond earlier high marks in the <br />northern half of Colorado. Four out of eight basins (North and South Platte, the Upper <br />Colorado, and the Arkansas) have now reached peaks at or higher than the typical <br />seasonal peak values. Daily updates of this information can be found at: <br />htto:/ /www.co.nrcs.usda.gov/snow/basins.htm <br /> <br />3. Compared to last month's forecast for Apr-Jun '03, higher than normal chances of wet <br />conditions in eastern Colorado are consistent with lingering El Nino impacts, while <br />higher than normal odds of dry conditions in southern New Mexico reflect influences <br />other than ENSO. For the San Juans in particular, a wet May would be consistent with El <br />Nino, but those other influences are competing and increasing the uncertainty for that <br />region. A first look at the summer monsoon season (July-September) reveals no strong <br />tilt of the odds towards renewed drought conditions, but higher than normal odds for a <br />wet summer both in northwestern Utah and the eastern plains of Colorado and New <br />Mexico, in particular. <br /> <br />4. Bottomline: Consistent with El Nino expectations, the statewide snowpack has <br />improved considerably since early February (from just over 70% to 94% as of today). For <br />at least another month, the eastern half of Colorado should continue to receive above- <br />normal moisture due to this influence. Competing climate factors reduce the chances for a <br />wet spring in the San Juans and in particular in southern New Mexico. Beyond spring, <br />chances are at least even for a "normal" summer in much ofthe interior Southwest. Stay <br />tuned for the next update of this webpage around May 15th. <br /> <br />Bob Steger. Denver Water <br />Mr. Steger announced that Denver would be in a Stage 2 drought response, which means <br />customers could water twice a week for 15 minutes at a time, and for no longer than a <br />total of two hours on their watering day. He indicated that reservoir levels would be <br />higher than last year if the spring remains cooler. Mr. Steger stated Antero reservoir will <br />not be filled, and that Cheeseman is close to full. <br /> <br />ADDITIONAL REPORTS FROM IMPACT TASK FORCE CHAIRS <br /> <br />Stephanie Dalger. Tourism <br />Ms. Dalger stated she did a quick survey of various industries. State Parks are looking <br />good for spring and summer boating; some ramps are in the water now. The rafting <br />industry has improved significantly, and is better this year than last. The Rio Grande and <br />San Juan rivers still look bad; however, they are promoting rafting on the Arkansas for <br />Front Range residents and have cut prices drastically. The golfing industry will have a <br />better idea of what to plan for this year when they determine what golf ranges can be <br />irrigated. The ski industry had a great start in the beginning, but then seemed to level off. <br />Ms. Dalgar will have more current figures for the ski industry at the next meeting. <br />Lastly, she stated the restaurant industry is tracking water rates to ensure they will be <br />treated equally. <br />