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COLORADO <br /> WATER SUPPLY CONDITIONS UPDATE <br /> FROM THE OFFICE OF THE STATE ENGINEER; COLORADO DIVISION OF WATER RESOURCES June 1995 <br /> ROOM 818,1313 SHERMAN ST.,DENVER,CO 80203; (303)-866-3581 <br /> Most of this month's SWSI values changed a great deal from last month's. One reason is that one component which <br /> makes up the SWSI values converts this month from snowpack (winter component) to stream flow (summer component). <br /> In a typical year significant percentages of the mountain snowpack have melted by the end of May. This year the state <br /> experienced a stormy May(an average of 216%of normal precipitation statewide according to the National Weather Service) <br /> which has keep the snowpack from being depleted. The runoff has been delayed causing the SWSI stream flow component <br /> to be below normal. Also, a number of the reservoirs have been releasing water in anticipation of a big runoff causing <br /> reductions in the SWSI reservoir component. The SWSI values should be viewed with these factors in mind. <br /> Contrary to the negative SWSI numbers in some of the basins,there appears to be ample water supplies throughout <br /> the state. In fact, due to the extremely high snowpack,there is wide spread concern about the possibility of flooding if warm <br /> weather and/or rain on the snow results in a quick melt. <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 on June 1, 1995 and reflect <br /> conditions during the month of May. <br /> June 1, 1995 Change From Change From <br /> Basin SWSI Value Previous Month Previous Year <br /> South Platte +3.2 +2.4 +0.6 <br /> Arkansas +2.5 -0.5 +0.1 <br /> Rio Grande -1.4 -4.8 -2.9 <br /> Gunnison +1.6 -5.2 +0.9 <br /> Colorado -1.5 -4.1 -1.1 <br /> Yampa/White -2.3 -1.9 +0.6 <br /> San Juan/Dolores -1.5 -3.9 -1.8 <br /> SCALE <br /> +1 +2 +3 +4 <br /> Severe Moderate Near Normal Above Normal Abundant <br /> Drought Drought Supply Supply Supply <br /> 1 <br />