DWR_4151882 - Laserfiche WebLink

COLORADO WATER SUPPLY CONDITIONS UPDATE OM THE OFFICE OF THE STATE ENGINEER; COLORADO DIVISION OF WATER RESOURCES August, 1994 KIM 8I8,1313 SHERMAN ST.,DENVER,CO 80203; (303)-866-3581 Stream flows are well below average throughout the state. Large numbers of surface diverters are being curtailed, and only the most senior water right holders are receiving water. Very low precipitation statewide and drying winds contribute to reducing soil moisture content and dropping ground water levels. As late summer and winter stream flows rely heavily on ground water discharges, the lack of precipitation to recharge ground water will continue to have adverse affects on rivers. The dropping ground water levels are causing reports of reduced well yields and dry wells in select areas. Reservoir storage is approximately 101%of average statewide as of the end of July, giving those who have reservoir water a source to supplement their lack of stream flow diversions. Most irrigation reservoirs have already begun drawing on their supplies. Reservoirs serving front range municipalities are relatively full,which gives urban dwellers an insulating buffer from the current dry conditions. The National Weather Service 30 day outlook as of August 1 is for above normal temperatures over all but the southeast corner of the state and below normal precipitation over the entire state. Their August 1st 90 day outlook is for below normal temperatures and slightly above normal precipitation statewide. 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 August 1, 1994 and reflect conditions during the month of July. CORRECTION: The July 1, 1994 SWSI value of 2.2 that was published last month for the South Platte River basin vas in error, the correct July 1 value for that basin was 1.4. August 1, 1994 Change From Change From Basin SWSI Value Previous Month Previous Year South Platte +0.2 -1.2 -1.1 Arkansas -0.7 -2.4 -2.9 Rio Grande -1.5 -2.1 -3.0 Gunnison -2.0 -2.1 -3.7 Colorado -3.0 -1.2 -5.6 Yampa/White -3.7 +0.1 -5.7 San Juan/Dolores -2.4 -2.2 -4.0 SCALE -4 -3 -2 -1 0 +1 +2 +3 +4 Severe Moderate Near Normal Above Normal Abundant Drought Drought Supply Supply Supply 1