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� oF•colo <br /> /4P -sr <br /> ROY ROY ROMER �4 ' JERIS A. DANIELSON <br /> Governor col State Engineer <br /> f876 *' <br /> OFFICE OF THE STATE ENGINEER <br /> DIVISION OF WATER RESOURCES <br /> 1313 Sherman Street-Room 818 <br /> Denver, Colorado 80203 <br /> (303) 866-3581 <br /> COLORADO WATER SUPPLY CONDITIONS UPDATE <br /> April 13, 1990 <br /> Statewide, water supply conditions improved during the month of March. <br /> Precipitation statewide averaged 141% of normal with a low of 102% of average <br /> in the Gunnison and San Juan/Dolores basins and a high of 316% of average in <br /> the South Platte basin. Precipitation along the northern Front Range reached <br /> record levels for the month. Snowpack measured on April 1 was 74% of average <br /> and 89% of last year. Snowpack is lowest in the San Juan/Dolores basin with <br /> 45% of average. Water storage in the state's 69 major reservoirs was 96% of <br /> average as measured on April 1, 1990. However, this is only 77% of last <br /> year's storage. Storage is below average in both the San Juan/Dolores and <br /> Colorado basins with 38% and 82% of average respectively. A major winter <br /> storm occurring on March 6, 1990, provided significant precipitation <br /> statewide. The eastern plains benefited from the precipitation event through <br /> improved soil moisture. <br /> The attached report includes updates of the Surface Water Supply Index (SWSI) <br /> addressing the relative availability of water resources supplies in each of <br /> the seven major drainage basins in the state. The winter SWSI values <br /> (December 1 - May 1) are computed utilizing basin weighted factors of <br /> snowpack, precipitation, and reservoir storage. This index indicates that <br /> water resources supplies remain below normal to significantly below normal . <br /> The worst conditions are found to be in the Rio Grande, San Juan/Dolores, and <br /> Gunnison basins. A brief description of the water supply conditions in each <br /> basin is provided. <br /> Evaluation of snowpack conditions for the last ten years shows a definite <br /> downward trend since 1984. In delineating the drought impacted area of the <br /> state (less than 70% of average run off prediction) , the entire southwest and <br /> west central quandrants of the state are now included. This area expanded <br /> from the previous month from the Colorado River north to the White River. The <br /> National Weather Service predicts cooler and drier conditions than normal for <br /> the month of April . Cooler conditions would be beneficial allowing for a <br /> delayed and slower run off. Contact John Kaliszewski at (303) 866-3581 if you <br /> have any comments or questions. <br />