SWSIReportSept2004

• Title: Water Supply Conditions Update
• Date: 9/21/2004
• Description: Presentation
• Basin: Statewide
• Drought Mitigation - Doc Type: Presentation

YAMPAlWHITE BASIN

Basinwide Conditions Assessment
The SWSI value of -3.4 indicates that for August the
basin water supplies were well below normal. Flow at the
gaging station Yampa River at Steamboat was 65 cfs, as
compared to the long-term average of 155 cfs.
The basin remains very dry with many tributaries still
under administration.
River flows in August remained well below seasonal
averages at most of the major gages in the Division. While
some mountain areas, especially along the eastern
mountains, received substantial rainfall amounts during the
month, other more westerly locations were well below
average. At times, flows reached levels similar to those
experienced in 2002. However, cooler temperatures near the
end of the month and more widespread precipitation events
caused flow conditions to improve slightly by the end of
August.
Irrigation reservoirs at the headwaters of the Yampa
River are essentially drained, while those in the North Platte
drainage have more water in storage then at the same time
in 2002.

Outlook
River flows are expected to remain below average
for the rest of the summer.

Administrative/Manaaement Concems
The low levels in the Yampa River through
Steamboat caused a voluntary ban on water related activities
to be imposed by the City this month. Low flows in the critical
habitat area on the Yampa River caused the U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service to initiate releases from Steamboat Lake to
enhance flow in the river for the endangered species.

Public Use Impacts
A voluntary restriction of use of the Yampa River
through Steamboat Springs was ordered by the city on
August 6th. This ban remained in effect at the end of the
month. Low flows in the White River above Meeker have
impacted recreational activities below several large irrigation
diversions.

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