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COLORADO <br /> • WATER SUPPLY CONDITIONS UPDATE <br /> ROM THE OFFICE OF THE STATE ENGINEER; COLORADO DIVISION OF WATER RESOURCES October 1996 <br /> LOOM 818,1313 SHERMAN ST.,DENVER,CO 80203; (303)-866-3581 <br /> September precipitation in all basins was above the 50th percentile, which was a welcome change from July and <br /> August during which all basins had precipitation below the 50th percentile. The improved precipitation helped stream flows. <br /> The positive effect of these two factors is seen in an increase in all seven SWSI values as compared to last month. Only the <br /> Rio Grande and San Juan/Dolores basins show negative SWSI values for September. Statewide, reservoir storage averages <br /> about 118% of normal. Storage levels in the southwest corner of the state remain very low going into the winter. <br /> The end of September brings an end to the water year with nearly all irrigation ending. The end of direct flow <br /> irrigation demand allows more water to be placed in storage,and into recharge projects along the lower South Platte River. <br /> The Surface Water Supply Index (SWSI) developed by this office and the U.S.D.A. Natural Resources Conservation <br /> Service is used as an indicator of mountain based water supply conditions in the major river basins of the state. It is based <br /> on stream flow, reservoir storage, and precipitation for the summer period (May through October). During the summer <br /> period stream flow is the primary component in all basins except the South Platte basin where reservoir storage is given the <br /> most weight. The following SWSI values were computed for each of the seven major basins for October 1, 1996 and reflect <br /> conditions during the month of September. <br /> Oct. 1, 1996 Change From Change From <br /> Basin SWSI Value Previous Month Previous Year <br /> South Platte 3.9 +1.1 +0.1 <br /> Arkansas 0.6 +1.1 -3.0 <br /> Rio Grande -1.6 +0.6 -3.7 <br /> Gunnison 0.5 +1.4 -2.7 <br /> Colorado 2.0 +2.1 -1.3 <br /> Yampa/White 0.2 +1.6 -1.2 <br /> Animas/La Plata -1.3 +2.2 -2.7 <br /> SCALE <br /> -4 -3 -f -1 0 +1 +2 +3 +4 <br /> Severe Moderate Near Normal Above Normal Abundant <br /> Drought Drought Supply Supply Supply <br /> 1 <br />