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COLORADO <br /> WATER SUPPLY CONDITIONS UPDATE <br /> FROM THE OFFICE OF THE STATE ENGINEER; DIVISION OF WATER RESOURCES April, 1993 <br /> ROOM 818,1313 SHERMAN ST.,DENVER,CO 80203; (303)-866-3581 <br /> While the percent of normal snowpack values dropped somewhat from last month's values, above average snowpack <br /> conditions were sustained through March. The Soil Conservation Service reports statewide snowpack at 126% of normal <br /> for the end of March. The southwest corner of the state had the highest amount at 149%of normal while the South Platte <br /> basin had the lowest amount at 108%of normal. The high snowpack is contributing to high SWSI values. The outlook is <br /> for above average stream flow volumes this spring and summer. <br /> Statewide reservoir storage was 109% of normal on March 31, with the Dolores-Animas basins having the highest <br /> storage rate at 122% of normal and the Arkansas basin having the lowest storage rate at 100% of normal. <br /> The National Weather Service 30 day forecast (April 1) is for above normal temperatures and below normal <br /> precipitation over the west half of the state, and normal temperatures with above normal precipitation over the east half of <br /> the state. Their 90 day forecast (April 1) is for below normal temperature and above normal precipitation statewide. <br /> The Surface Water Supply Index (SWSI) developed by this office and the U.S.D.A. Soil Conservation Service is used <br /> as an indicator of water supply conditions in the major river basins of the state. It is based on snowpack,reservoir storage, <br /> and precipitation for the winter period (November through April). During the winter period snowpack is the primary <br /> component in all basins except the South Platte basin where reservoir storage is given the most weight. Inclusion of <br /> snowpack in winter computations results in an emphasis on present snow storage which may be available for next spring's <br /> runoff. The following SWSI values were computed for each of the seven basins on April 1, 1993 and reflect conditions during <br /> the month of March. <br /> April 1, 1993 Change From Change Froth <br /> Basin SWSI Value Previous Month Previous Year <br /> South Platte +1.2 +0.3 +0.4 <br /> Arkansas +1.5 -0.5 +2.5 <br /> Rio Grande +3.2 -0.2 +2.4 <br /> Gunnison +3.7 +0.6 +3.6 <br /> Colorado +2.4 +0.4 +3.9 <br /> Yampa/White -0.1 -0.2 +3.2 <br /> San Juan/Dolores +2.9 -0.7 +2.5 <br /> SCALE <br /> -4 -3 -2 -1 0 +1 +2 +3 +4 <br /> Severe Moderate Near Normal Above Normal Abundant <br /> Drought Drought Supply Supply Supply <br /> 1 <br />