DWR_4151808 - Laserfiche WebLink

COLORADO WATER SUPPY CONDITIONS UPDATE FROM THE OFFICE OP THE STATE ENGINEER; DIVISION OP WATER RESOURCES JULY 19, 1990 ROOM 818,1313 SHERMAN ST.,DENVER,CO 80203; (303)4866-3581 Significant precipitation during the first ten days of July dramatically improved water supply conditions statewide. Rain was especially welcome in the north east, south central, north central, and west central sections of the state where June precipitation ranged from only 5% to 50% percent of average and temperatures set new highs almost daily. Typical of the extreme variations in precipitation often experienced in Colorado, several areas received abundant rain in June including eastern El Paso County, western Montrose County and western Rio Blanco County which received rain measuring nearly 200 percent of average. Statewide precipitation averaged 41 percent of normal. Although conditions have improved,there will most likely be heavy drawdown of reservoir storage to supplement direct flow diversions. Strict administration is the rule rather than the exception calling most junior rights out of priority. The consumption of reservoir carry-over storage this year will impact conditions next year if the 1991 runoff is below normal and storage cannot be replaced. The greatest impact will be on recreational uses of water as municipal and irrigation demands increase. The Surface Water Supply Index (SWSI) developed by this office is used as an indicator of water supply conditions in the state. It is based on reservoir storage, streamflow and precipitation for the summer period (May 1 through December 1). Weight factors are applied to each of the measured hydrologic components in computing the SWSI values. During the summer period, streamflow is the primary component in each basin except the South Platte. The following SWSI values were computed for each of the seven basins on July 1, 1990. Change from Basin SWSI Value June 1, 1990 South Platte +0.3 0.0 Arkansas +0.6 +1.3 Rio Grande -0.5 +1.2 Gunnison -1.9 -0.5 Colorado -2.1 +0.4 Yampa/White -2.4 +1.4 San Juan/Dolores -2.7 -0.6 SCALE -4 -3 -2 -1 0 +1 +2 +3 +4 Severe Moderate Below Near normal Above normal Abundant drought drought normal supply 1 —`t -3 _2_ _ r 0 + r tZ 43 'rev 1` 1, pa,, i't 5(4 p Yr r�rr f I !