Laserfiche WebLink
COLORADO <br /> WATER SUPPLY CONDITIONS UPDATE <br /> FROM THE OFFICE OF THE STATE ENGINEER; COLORADO DIVISION OF WATER RESOURCES October 1995 <br /> LOOM 818,1313 SHERMAN ST.,DENVER,CO 80203; (303)-866-3581 <br /> The end of September brought the completion of another water year. For the most part there were ample supplies <br /> of water throughout the state over this past year,which has been reflected in the positive SWSI values. The winter of'94-'95 <br /> ended with an above average mountain snowpack. Cool wet weather during May and June delayed the runoff, allowing <br /> stream flow diverters to obtain a more steady supply throughout the summer. Reservoirs generally went into the past water <br /> year with adequate amounts in storage, and storage amounts were not depleted due to the available stream flow supplies. <br /> The new water year begins on an upbeat with continued above average stream flows and reservoir storage. <br /> Statewide, reservoirs ended September with levels at approximately 150%of normal. The National Weather Service reports <br /> statewide precipitation at 130% of normal during September. <br /> The Surface Water Supply Index (SWSI) developed by this office and the U.S.D.A. Natural Resources Conservation <br /> Service is used as an indicator of mountain based water supply conditions in the major river basins of the state. It is based <br /> on stream flow, reservoir storage, and precipitation for the summer period (May through October). During the summer <br /> period stream flow is the primary component in all basins except the South Platte basin where reservoir storage is given the <br /> most weight. The following SWSI values were computed for each of the seven major basins for October 1, 1995 and reflect <br /> conditions during the month of September. <br /> October 1, 1995 Change From Change From <br /> Basin SWSI Value Previous Month Previous Year <br /> South Platte +3.8 +0.7 +2.0 <br /> Arkansas +3.6 +0.8 +4.0 <br /> Rio Grande +2.1 -0.6 +0.2 <br /> Gunnison +3.2 -0.2 +4.8 <br /> Colorado +3.3 -0.5 +4.8 <br /> Yampa/White +1.4 -0.2 +4.2 <br /> San Juan/Dolores +1.4 -1.9 +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 />