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1.2 Precipitation <br /> Precipitation data presented on Table P and Charts P1 and P2 was recorded at weather stations in <br /> Paonia and Cimarron, CO. The Paonia weather station is approximately five miles south of the sample <br /> locations. However, data collection at this station ceased in 2016. Therefore, precipitation data was used <br /> from the Cimarron weather station (approximately 40 miles south of the sample locations) from 2017 <br /> through 2021 due to its proximity and similar elevation. These weather stations provide a rough <br /> comparison of long-term trends in precipitation in the region. However, the locations of both weather <br /> stations are considerably lower in elevation than the sample locations and so precipitation totals are not <br /> likely to be completely accurate. Based on these data and expressed vegetation in the reclaimed areas, <br /> precipitation totals appear to have been above-average in the 12 months prior to the evaluation in June of <br /> 2019 and well below-average in the 12 months prior to the evaluation in June of 2021. <br /> The overall average annual precipitation (Jan-Dec)for the past 84 years is 15.2 inches while monthly <br /> averages range from 0.7 in June to 1.6 inches in October (Table P). Average summer precipitation was <br /> 3.1 inches while fall, winter, and spring average 4.2, 3.7, and 4.3 inches, respectively (Charts P1 and P2). <br /> Review of the precipitation charts further reveals that growing season (spring) precipitation in the past 14 <br /> years has been variable ranging from 1.0 inches in 2012 to 8.4 inches in 2019. This variation in conditions <br /> ranging from drought to well above-average seasonal precipitation has contributed significantly to the <br /> current expression of ecological communities across the study area. <br /> Chart P2 indicates that total precipitation in the 12 months preceding the 2019 sampling effort was <br /> above-average at 19.2 inches (126% of average). The 2018 summer and fall precipitation were 67% and <br /> 108% of average (2.1 and 4.5 inches), respectively. The 2019 winter and spring precipitation were 114% <br /> and 198% of average (4.2 and 8.4 inches), respectively. Cover and production values are likely higher <br /> than average during this sampling period. <br /> Total precipitation in the 12 months preceding the 2021 sampling effort was below-average at 9.2 <br /> inches(60%of average). The 2020 summer and fall precipitation were 57%and 68%of average (1.7 and <br /> 2.9 inches), respectively. The 2021 winter and spring precipitation were 74% and 42% of average (2.7 <br /> and 1.8 inches), respectively. Cover and production values are considerably lower than average, especially <br /> considering the very low spring precipitation values. <br /> CEDAR CREEK ASSOCIATES, Inc. 3 Bowie #1 Mine-West Mine - 2021 <br /> Phase III Bond Release Evaluation <br />