DWR_4151881 - Laserfiche WebLink

`i► COLORADO WATER SUPPLY CONDITIONS UPDATE FROM THE OFFICE OF THE STATE ENGINEER; COLORADO DIVISION OF WATER RESOURCES September, 1994 ROOM 818,1313 SHERMAN ST.,DENVER,CO 80203; (303)-866-3581 Stream flows continue to be below to much below average throughout the state. All basin administrators report curtailment of numerous junior surface diverters,with many reporting a resulting adverse impact on pasture conditions and crop yields. Reservoir storage is approximately 101% of average statewide as of the end of August, giving those who have reservoir water a source to supplement their lack of stream flow diversions. Irrigation reservoirs have been drawing heavily on their supplies with a number of reservoirs in the South Platte Basin now out of water. Reservoirs serving front range municipalities are relatively full, which gives urban dwellers an insulating buffer from the current dry conditions. The National Weather Service reports statewide precipitation for August was 116%of normal. The Weather Service 30 day outlook as of September 1 shows expectations for above normal temperatures and below normal precipitation over the entire state. Their September 1st 90 day outlook is for above normal temperatures over the whole state, with normal precipitation over the eastern third and below normal precipitation over the western two-thirds of the state. The Surface Water Supply Index (SWSI) developed by this office and the U.S.D.A. Soil Conservation Service is used as an indicator of mountain based water supply conditions in the major river basins of the state. It is based on stream flows, reservoir storage, and precipitation for the summer period (May through October). During the summer period, stream flow is the primary component in all basins except the South Platte basin where reservoir storage is given the most weight. The following SWSI values were computed for each of the seven basins on September 1, 1994 and reflect conditions during the month of August. August 1, 1994 Change From Change From Basin SWSI Value Previous Month Previous Year • South Platte +1.8 +1.6 -1.0 Arkansas -0.3 +0.4 -3.2 Rio Grande -1.9 -0.4 -4.8 Gunnison -2.5 -0.5 -5.7 Colorado -2.3 +0.7 -6.1 Yampa/White -3.6 +0.1 -5.0 San Juan/Dolores -2.5 -0.1 -5.0 SCALE -4 -3 -2 -1 0 +1 +2 +3 +� Severe Moderate Near Normal Above Normal Abundant Drought Drought Supply Supply Supply 1