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I I I 1 , I I 1 I I I I 1 I 1 I I , I service area Local differences are caused by air drainage, relief, and elevation modified by gradient and aspect. High pressure areas tend to form in the winter and remain stationary for several days. Unless the ground is covered with snow or air drainage is poor, the sky is clear under high pressure systems. Daytime temperatures are moderately high and uniform, and nights are very cold. Periods of poor air drainage are common in the vicinity of Gunnison. Nighttime temperatures depend largely on topography, where air drainage exerts a greater control than the actual elevation. Most of the precipitation occurs in winter and early in spring. January, February, and March are the months of heaviest snowfall. June is normally dry. Frequent showers occur during the latter part of July and August. Generally, precipitation increases substantially as elevation increases. Climatic summaries are shown in Tables 4-1 and 4-2 (USDA 1975). 4.2.3 Population and Employment The population and employment statistics for Gunnison County are presented because the Town of Gunnison and Gunnison County are the largest population centers near Vouga Dam and Reservoir. The dam and reservoir is located just inside the Saguache County line. Population and employment information for the service area can be related to the labor and employment statistics during 1985-1991 for Gunnison County. Figure 4-1 shows the unemployment and population trends for Gunnison County. 4.2.4 Land Use within Service Area The land use in the service area is generally dedicated to ranching. The water stored in the reservoir is used to irrigate crop lands used'for feed for cattle and horses. 24216/Rl.DOC 02.12-97(3:08PM)/RPT 4-2