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COLORADO <br /> WATER SUPPLY CONDITIONS UPDATE <br /> FROM THE OFFICE OF THE STATE ENGINEER; DIVISION OF WATER RESOURCES March, 1993 <br /> ROOM 818,1313 SHERMAN ST.,DENVER,CO 80203; (303)-866-3581 <br /> Winter storms have resulted in increased snowpack statewide during February. Some sites in the south and west <br /> portion of the state show snowpack at twice the average end of February amounts. The Soil Conservation Service reports <br /> statewide snowpack at 134%of normal for the end of February. The southwest corner of the state had the highest amount <br /> at 160% of normal while the South Platte basin had the lowest amount at 108%of normal. While March and April snow <br /> accumulation has a significant imact on runoff,the outlook is for above average stream flow volumes this spring and summer. <br /> Statewide reservoir storage was 107%of normal on February 28,with the Dolores-Animas basins having the highest <br /> storage rate at 118% of normal and the Arkansas basin having the lowest storage rate at 98% of normal. <br /> The National Weather Service 30 day forecast (March 1) if for below normal precipitation statewide. Their 90 day <br /> forecast (March 1) is for above normal precipitation. <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 March 1, 1993 and reflect conditions <br /> during the month of February. <br /> • <br /> March 1, 1993 Change From Change From <br /> Basin SWSI Value Previous Month Previous Year <br /> South Platte +0.9 +0.9 +1.2 <br /> Arkansas +2.0 +2.0 +3.2 <br /> Rio Grande +3.4 +1.0 +4.0 <br /> Gunnison +3.1 +1.1 +4.6 <br /> Colorado +2.0 +2.3 +4.0 <br /> Yampa/White +0.1 +1.3 +3.0 <br /> San Juan/Dolores +3.6 +1.3 +4.0 <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 /> • <br />