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• regional monthly trends are similar to trends at the site. The large periods of record for the FFB and Guffey weather stations adds confidence to the characterization of the precipitation patterns at the site. To assess the character of the 1999 monthly precipitation record, data collected at the Bateman Creek, Hunter, Florissant Fossil Beds, and Guffey stations were compazed to the average conditions used in Amendment No. 7 (Victor and Bateman Creek), as shown in Figure 2. The comparison in Figure 2 illustrates that the precipitation received in April, May, July, and August of 1999 was considerably higher than the long-term averages determined for the area in Amendment No. 7. The Bateman Creek and Hunter weather stations recorded the wettest April on record in 1999, at 5.44 inches and 6.11 inches, respectively. The Guffey weather station recorded 4.96 inches of rain, which is the second highest on record for [hat station (1957 had the maximum total of 5.09 inches). Based on the period of record and the evidence that Bateman Creek and Hunter weather stations are representative of site conditions (Table 7), April 1999 would be the wettest April on • record. Although a relatively small storm occurred on April 21, 1999, the majority of the precipitation recorded in April 1999 was the result of a large snowstorm that started on April 23 and continued through May 1, 1999. This storm dropped approximately 42 inches of snow according to site personnel. The accumulation resulting from this snowfall event approaches the average annual snowfall reported for the azea (Table 8). Also, Table 7 shows [hat the water equivalent from this snowstorm was several times the monthly average precipitation rate for April (Table 2). This record setting month of precipitation is a unique occurrence and has contributed to the upset condition in the Carlton Tunnel. In addition to an unusually wet April, the 5-month precipitation total between April and August 1999 is also unique. The average rainfall total for April tluough August ranges between 10.34 and 13.12 inches for the four NWS stations. During 1999, the Bateman Creek and Hunter stations received 20.27 and 22.47 inches of precipitation, respectively, for the same months. These totals represent more than the average yearly rainfall of approximately 19 inches. The anomalously high precipitation rates for these S months contributed to the upset condition in the • Cazlton Tunnel. Cripple Creek & Victor Gold Mining Campnny Shepherd .tliller, Inc. ODlA.NOND~P-ORfVl1100fEMe nlAUnehmrntl Aac S NovemGer??. /999