WSP06278

• File Number: 8040.970
• Description: Drought Preparedness
• State: CO
• Basin: Statewide
• Date: 6/1/2002
• Author: USDA
• Title: Colorado Basin Outlook Report
• Water Supply Pro - Doc Type: Report/Study

By May 30th the measurable snow accumulation has managed to melt away at all of the 24
SNOTEL snow measuring locations in the Colorado Basin. The melt out has occurred over 50
days ahead ofthe average melt out date. The seasonal peak measurements, which was only about
60% of the average peak, occurred during early April, and relatively dry, warm conditions that
have persisted ever since have rapidly diminished the snowpack. Precipitation in the mountains
during May was only 37% of average, which was the lowest monthly accumulation this water
year. The water year total is now only 62% of average, which is 25% less than last year. The
combined reservoir storage has diminished significantly from last month and is now only 69% of
average, which is only 66% of the amount of storage there was last year at this time. As a result
of the early melt out and dry warm conditions during May, the streamflow forecasts have been
lowered even further from last month. The forecasts range from 47% of average at the Inflow to
Lake Granby, to only 26% of average at the Inflow to Willow Creek Reservoir.

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UPPER COLORADO RIVER BASIN
as of June 1, 2002

Mountain Snowpack" (Inches)

I___Current ~Average \
I_Maximum __Minimum

25

20
.5
..
c 15
.,
iO
>
.;
$
.. 10
~
~
5

o
Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun

'Based on selected stations

.~

:.,
.,

"

.:~

Precipitation" (% of average)

i.Monthly [l!JYear-to-date I
,

90
80
70
., 60
'"
..
..
.,
> 50
<
....
0
.. 40
c
.,
"
..
., 30
!1.
20
10
0
Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May