Laserfiche WebLink
• <br /> • COLORADO <br /> WATER SUPPLY CONDITIONS UPDATE <br /> FROM THE OFFICE OF THE STATE ENGINEER; DIVISION OF WATER RESOURCES April, 1991 <br /> ROOM 818,1313 SHERMAN ST.,DENVER,CO 80203; (303)-866-3581 <br /> JOHN R.KALISZEWSIU;EDITOR <br /> A series of snowstorms during the month of March increased the statewide snowpack to 91% of average by April <br /> 1, 1991. This is 122%of last year's snowpack. The statewide snowpack measured just 72% of average on March 1, 1991. <br /> The most significant improvements were realized in the central and southwestern regions of the state. The South Platte <br /> basin, which has maintained the lowest snowpack of the major basins of the state throughout the winter, increased only to <br /> 75%of average. Comparisons of snowpack development on a basinwide basis as measured on March 1st and April 1st are <br /> as follows: <br /> March 1, 1991 April 1, 1991 <br /> South Platte Basin 61% 75% <br /> Arkansas Basin 79% 93% <br /> Rio Grande Basin 92% 111% <br /> Gunnison Basin 67% 87% <br /> Colorado Basin 71% 89% <br /> Yampa/White Basin 78% 92% <br /> San Juan/Dolores Basin 74% 100% <br /> Statewide precipitation for the month of March was 160%of average ranging from a low of 37%of average in the <br /> South Platte basin to over 200% of average in the Gunnison basin. Totals for the water year (beginning October 1, 1990) <br /> are 110% of average. The statewide reservoir storage is 117% of average, and 109% of last year's April storage. The <br /> Colorado and Rio Grande basins continue to have the lowest storage rates. With above average runoff expected in the Rio <br /> Grande basin, storage should improve and demand for releases should decrease. In the Colorado basin, diminished storage <br /> reflects to a degree early transbasin diversions supplementing below normal water supplies in the South Platte basin. The <br /> highest streamflow forecasts are in the Rio Grande basin with volumes of 105% to 118% of average along the mainstem. <br /> Above normal streamflows are expected in the Dolores, San Juan, and Southern Arkansas tributaries. Below normal <br /> streamflows are forecast throughout the Gunnison,Colorado and South Platte basins. The lowest streamflow projections are <br /> in the Little Snake, St.Vrain, Muddy Creek, and lower Colorado River drainages. <br /> Statistically, March is the principal winter month relative to snowpack development in Colorado. However, the <br /> Colorado Climate Center advises that the season of maximum precipitation varies regionally or physiographically in Colorado. <br /> • <br /> In fact, Colorado is unique in that each of the four seasons is represented in this manner. <br /> Region/Physiographic Unit Season of Maximum Precipitation <br /> Mountains Winter <br /> Front Range Spring <br /> Plains Summer <br /> Southwest Fall <br /> Drought stricken California experienced one of the wettest months in its history. Mr. Jerry Zimmerman, Director, <br /> Colorado River Board of California, in addressing the "California drought"at the Southwestern Water Conservation District <br /> annual seminar on April 5, 1991, in Durango, Colorado, stated that southern California's water supplies improved to <br /> approximately 75% of average from a low of 20% of average. Strict water conservation measures and transfer of some <br /> irrigation water supplies to domestic/industrial use will make up the deficit. <br /> 1 <br />