SWSIReportNov2004

• Title: Colorado Water Supply Conditions Update
• Date: 11/23/2004
• Description: Presentation
• Basin: Statewide
• Drought Mitigation - Doc Type: Presentation

GUNNISON BASIN

Basinwide Conditions Assessment
The SWSI value of -1.0 indicates that for October
the basin water supplies were slightly below normal. Flow at
the gaging station Uncompahgre River near Ridgway was
110 cfs, as compared to the long-term average of 87 cfs
Storage in Taylor Park, Crawford. and Fruitland reservoirs
totaled 90% of normal as of the end of October.

Outlook
OctOber was another good month for moisture on
the western slope_ Some of the snotel sites are showing
twice the normal snowpack for this time is the year. Of
course, It'S a very smart amount in comparison to the total for
the year, and It'S still way too early to get a good indication
of the snow pack for the entire winter season.

Administrative/ManaQement Concerns
In the Grand Mesa area, where reservoir storage is
so critical, the abundant moisture has reduced the demand
for stored water, and irrigators have been able to leave the
water in the reservoirs and save it for nex1 year. In addition,
the rain and snow created some additional in-priority storage
that can also be carried over for nex1 irrigation season. II
gives the irrigators an optimistic perspective when they have
significant carry over storage
In other areas. the moisture boosted river flows and
provided an abundant supply for those that still wanted to
complete some fall irrigation. However, most were satisfied
and shut off their diversions earlier than normal.
The work is now underway to install a fish screen in
the Redlands Canal. This screen is designed to keep
endangered fish from entering the canal. The current
schedule is to finish the work and turn the canal back on in
April 2005.

Public Use Impacts
The ski areas have been eXCited to see all the
snowfall, and are making snow to supplement and pack the
base so they can open earlier. The hunters have also been
helped with the snow For the last two years. the conditions
have been very warm and dry. The storms and moisture
move the animals and provide better hunllng conditions.

Nov-04

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