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COLORADO <br /> WATER SUPPLY CONDITIONS UPDATE <br /> FROM THE OFFICE OF THE STATE ENGINEER; DIVISION OF WATER RESOURCES July, 1992 <br /> ROOM 818,1313 SHERMAN ST.,DENVER,CO 80203; (303)-866-3581 <br /> Below average snowpack over the winter and above normal temperatures during early spring caused an early runoff <br /> this year. The early runoff contributed to the lower June SWSI values this year. Streamflows are in decline statewide and <br /> most areas are expecting low flows this summer. <br /> Statewide reservoir storage was 108%of average on July 1. The Dolores and Animas River basins have the highest <br /> storage rate at 127%of average while the Arkansas basin has the lowest storage rate at 91%of average. The near average <br /> to above average reservoir storage situation may contain the only bright spot in this season's water supply. Water users with <br /> storage will likely be drawing on their supplies this summer. <br /> The National Weather Service 30 day forecast (July 1) is for above normal precipitation and below normal <br /> temperatures over all but the extreme southwest portion of the state where near normal precipitation and temperatures are <br /> expected. The 90 day forecast (July 1) is for above normal precipitation and below normal temperatures over the north half <br /> of the state with the south half receiving normal precipitation and temperatures. <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 streamflow,reservoir storage, <br /> and precipitation for the summer period (May through October). During the summer period streamflow is the primary <br /> component in all basins except the South Platte basin where reservoir storage is given the most weight. The following SWSI <br /> values were computed for each of the seven basins on July 1, 1992 and reflect conditions during the month of June. <br /> July 1, 1992 Change From Change From <br /> Basin SWSI Value Previous Month Previous Year <br /> South Platte +1.8 +0.4 +0.1 <br /> Arkansas +0.1 -1.1 -0.4 <br /> Rio Grande -1.6 -1.1 -1.7 <br /> Gunnison -1.4 -2.4 -2.6 <br /> Colorado -2.2 -1.8 -2.0 <br /> Yampa/White -3.5 -1.9 -3.6 <br /> San Juan/Dolores -0.6 -2.4 -0.2 <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 />