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COLORADO <br /> WATER SUPPLY CONDITIONS UPDATE <br /> LOM THE OFFICE OF THE STATE ENGINEER; COLORADO DIVISION OF WATER RESOURCES March, 1994 <br /> OOM 818,1313 SHERMAN ST.,DENVER,CO 80203; (303)-866-3581 <br /> The snowpack improved over nearly the whole state during February. The Soil Conservation Service reports <br /> statewide snowpack at 91%of average as of the end of February,which is an increase from 77%of average at the beginning <br /> of the month. The southwest portion of the state in particular experienced a number of storms which added to the snowpack <br /> and significantly increased the SWSI index values in the Rio Grande and San Juan/Dolores/Animas basins. This year's <br /> snowpack is still behind last year's accumulations. A reduced snowpack results in reduced stream flows during the next <br /> runoff season. <br /> The National Weather Service 30 day outlook as of March 1 is for above normal temperatures and below normal <br /> precipitation over the entire state. Their March 1, 90 day outlook is for the same, above normal temperatures and below <br /> normal precipitation statewide. <br /> The Surface Water Supply Index (SWSI) developed by this office and the U.S.D.A. Soil Conservation Service is used <br /> as an indicator of mountain based water supply conditions in the major river basins of the state. It is based on snow pack, <br /> - reservoir storage, and precipitation for the winter period (November through April). During the winter period, snow pack <br /> is the primary component in all basins except the South Platte basin where reservoir storage is given the most weight. The <br /> following SWSI values were computed for each of the seven basins on March 1, 1994 and reflect conditions during the month <br /> of February. <br /> March 1, 1994 Change From Change From <br /> Basin SWSI Value Previous Month Previous Year <br /> South Platte +1.9 +0.1 - '-3 +1.0 6 <br /> Arkansas -0.8 -0.1 -0,' -2.8 _ - r <br /> Rio Grande -0.3 +1.6 f -3.1 -? <br /> Gunnison -1.8 +0.1 { -4.9 - <br /> Colorado +0.2 +0.3 - `1 -1.8 - 1-3 <br /> Yampa/White -1.7 -0.4 - r. -1.8 <br /> San Juan/Dolores -1.3 +1.3 - `+ -4.9 - 't•'a <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 />