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COLORADO WATER SUPPLY CONDITIONS UPDATE FROM THE OFFICE OF THE STATE ENGINEER; COLORADO DIVISION OF WATER RESOURCES July, 1998 ROOM 818,1313 SHERMAN ST..DENVER,CO 80203; (303).866-3581 The SWSI values show the central and southern mountains as having a bit below average water supply conditions, with all basins of the state experiencing reduced water supply conditions compared to last year's excellent conditions. Dry and windy weather is being reported from the Rio Grande,Gunnison,Colorado,and San Juan/Dolores basin administrators, along with a concern about conditions later in the summer if the weather does not change. Throughout the state, reservoirs are holding good amounts of water. Statewide reservoir storage is approximately 113% of normal. Use of reservoir water is occurring, in some places earlier in the summer than is typical. The Surface Water Supply Index (SWSI) developed by this office and the U.S.D.A.Natural Resources 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 flow, 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 major basins for July 1, 1998 and reflect conditions during the month of June. July 1, 1998 Change From Change From Basin SWSI Value Previous Month Previous Year South Platte 2.5 -0.7 -1.2 Arkansas 0.1 +0.8 -3.5 Rio Grande -1.0 -1.5 -3.3 Gunnison -1.0 -1.6 -4.6 Colorado -1.6 -2.7 -5.5 Yampa/White 1.0 -1.2 -1.9 San Juan/Dolores -0.7 -1.6 -3.2 SCALE -4 -3 -2 -1 a +1 +2 +3 +4 Severe Moderate Near Normal Above Normal Abundant Drought Drought Supply Supply Supply •