Laserfiche WebLink
Exhibit Page 37 <br />4. General Climate: <br />Montezuma County, in the southwest corner of Colorado, is where the San Juan <br />Mountains meet the desert canyon country. The area has milder winters than most of <br />Colorado, yet still has four distinct seasons. Winter weather patterns flow from the <br />southwest and west, usually avoiding the colder storms that are typical of most parts of <br />Colorado. Winter storms bring heavier snowfalls to the San Juan Mountains to the <br />northeast portion of the county. <br />The atmosphere is dry and generally clear. There is abundant sunshine, with an <br />average of 321 days of sunshine during the year. For gardeners and agriculture, USDA <br />zones range from 3 to 5. The site rates between 4 and 5. <br />The elevation ranges from 6,200 feet in Cortez to approximately 7,000 feet in Mancos <br />and Dolores. The average growing season around Cortez is 125 days, average <br />precipitation is 13.15 inches, and the average annual snowfall is 40.6 inches. Snowfall <br />varies considerably with elevation as shown in the table below. Mesa Verde and <br />Dolores receive on average more than 80 inches of snowfall. <br />5. Additional Quantitative data: <br />Data Item Quantity Units Remarks <br />2-yr, 24-hour storm 1.7 inches of precipitation interpolated <br />100-yr, 24-hour storm 4.5 inches of precipitation interpolated <br />Depth of freezing 30-48 inches <br />Annual average lake <br />evaporation 55 inches/year Schwab et al. <br />