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mow_-r 9 ROY ROMER - ,,• '`' : <:) Governor v, �W JERIS A. DANIELSON * �,� * State Engineer \\I876% OFFICE OF THE STATE ENGINEER DIVISION OF WATER RESOURCES 1313 Sherman Street-Room 818 Denver, Colorado 80203 (303) 866-3581 • COLORADO WATER SUPPLY CONDITIONS UPDATE February 12, 1990 Statewide, water supply conditions continued during the month of January to vary significantly. January precipitation statewide averaged 93% of normal with a low of 40% of average in the Colorado basin and a high of 199% of average in the Arkansas basin. Snowpack measured on February 1 averaged only 56% of normal . These conditions were the worst in the Rio Grande and San Juan/Dolores basins with 26% and 23% of average respectively. Water storage in the state's 69 major reservoirs was 104% of average as measured on February 1, 1990. However, this is only 86% of last year's storage. Storage is below average in both the Rio Grande and Colorado basins with 85% and 79% of average respectively. Storage in the Rio Grande basin is at only 55% of last year's storage. The Soil Conservation Board advised that soil moisture depletions are reaching critical levels on the eastern plains and in the southwestern section of the state. The attached report includes updates of the Surface Water Supply Index (SWSI) addressing the relative availability of water resources supplies in each of the seven major drainage basins in the state. The winter SWSI values (December 1 - May 1) are computed utilizing basin weighted factors of snowpack, precipitation, and reservoir storage. This index indicates that water resources supplies were near normal a year ago but are now generally below normal to significantly below normal . The worst conditions are found to be in the Rio Grande and San Juan/Dolores basins. The most significant declines from the previous month were experienced in the Arkansas and Yampa/White basins. A brief description of the water supply conditions in each basin is provided. It should be understood that November - January snowpack normally has limited impact on spring runoff as the Snow Water Equivalence (SWE) is typically low during these months. The SWE is highest in snowpack accumulating during the March - April period. The Soil Conservation Service - Water Supply Forecast Office suggests that above normal precipitation during the March - April period would not likely bring the spring runoff up to normal . The Colorado Climate Center advised that historic data suggest that when snowpack is at such low levels on February 1, typically the winter precipitation remains below normal for the duration of the winter period. Contact John Kaliszewski at (303) 866-3581 if you have any comments or questions.