Historic, Archive Document
Do not assume content reflects current
scientific knowledge, policies, or practices.
WATER SUPPLY OUTLOOK
FOR
COLORADO AND NEW MEXICO
U. S. DEPARTMENT of AGRICULTURE ★ SOIL CONSERVATION SERVICE
Collaborating with
COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY EXPERIMENT STATION
STATE ENGINEER of COLORADO
and STATE ENGINEER of NEW MEXICO
Data included in this report were obtained l>\ the agencies named above in cooperation
with Federal. Stale and private organizations listed inside the back cover of this report.
AS OFIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII
4PR. 1, 1976
I
TO RECIPIENTS OF WATER SUPPLY OUTLOOK REPORTS:
Most of the usable water in western states originates as mountain snowfall. This snowfall accumulates during the winter and
spring, several months before the snow melts and appears as streamflow. Since the runoff from precipitation as snow is delayed,
estimates of snowmelt runoff can be made well in advance of its occurrence. Streamflow forecasts published in this report are
based principally on measurement of the water equivalent of the mountain snowpack.
Forecasts become more accurate as more of the data affecting runoff are measured. All forecasts assume that climatic
factors during the remainder of the snow accumulation and melt season will interact with a resultant average effect on runoff.
Early season forecasts are therefore subject to a greater change than those made on later dates.
The snow course measurement is obtained by sampling snow depth and water equivalent at surveyed and marked locations in
mountain areas. A total of about ten samples are taken at each location. The average of these are reported as snow depth and
water equivalent. These measurements are repeated in the same location near the same dates each year.
Snow surveys are made monthly or semi-monthly from January 1 through June 1 in most states. There are about 1900 snow
courses in Western United States and in the Columbia Basin in British Columbia. Networks of automatic snow water equivalent
and related data sensing devices, along with radio telemetry are expanding and will provide a continuous record of snow water
and other parameters at key locations.
Detailed data on snow course and soil moisture measurements are presented in state and local reports. Other data on
reservoir storage, summaries of precipitation, current streamflow, and soil moisture conditions at valley elevations are also
included. The report for Western United States presents a broad picture of water supply outlook conditions, including selected
streamflow forecasts, summary of snow accumulation to date, and storage in larger reservoirs.
Snow survey and soil moisture data for the period of record are published by the Soil Conservation Service by states about
every five years. Data for the current year is summarized in a West-wide basic data summary and published about October 1
of each year.
COVER PHOTO: SURVEYOR ENROUTE TO THE MI. BALDY ARIZONA SNOW COURSE
SCS PHOTO AZ-5460
PUBLISHED BY SOIL CONSERVATION SERVICE
The Soil Conservation Service publishes reports following the principal snow survey dates from January 1 through June 1 in
cooperation with state water administrators, agricultural experiment stations and others. Copies of the reports for Western
United States and all state reports may be obtained from Soil Conservation Service, West Technical Service Center, Room 111,
511 N.W. Broadway, Portland, Oregon 97209.
Copies of state and local reports may also be obtained from state offices of the Soil Conservation Service in the following
states:
STATE
Alaska
Arizona
Colorado (N. Mex.)
Idaho
Montana
Nevada
Oregon
Utah
Washington
Wyoming
ADDRESS
204 E. 5th. Ave., Room 217, Anchorage, Alaska 99501
6029 Federal Building, Phoenix, Arizona 85025
P. O. Box 17107, Denver, Colorado 80217
Room 345, 304 N. 8th. St., Boise, Idaho 83702
P.O. Box 98, Bozeman, Montana 59715
P. O. Box 4850, Reno Nevada 89505
1220 S.W. Third Ave., Portland, Oregon 97204
4012 Federal Bldg., 125 South State St., Salt Lake City, Utah 841 38
360 U.S. Court House, Spokane, Washington 99201
P. O. Box 2440, Casper, Wyoming 82601
PUBLISHED BY OTHER AGENCIES
Water Supply Outlook reports prepared by other agencies include a report for California by the
Water Supply Forecast and Snow Surveys Unit, California Department of Water Resources, P. O.
Box 388 , Sacramento , California 95802 — and for British Columbia by the Department of Lands, ^\ begins ! cnDu
\ C>^*v SNUW oUKVti XjNV
Forests and Water Resources, Water Resources Service, Parliament Building, Victoria, British Columbia
WATER SUPPLY OUTLOOK
FOR
COLORADO AND NEW MEXICO
and
FEDERAL -STATE -PRIVATE COOPERATIVE SNOW SURVEYS
Issued by
R. M. DAVIS
ADMINISTRATOR
SOIL CONSERVATION SERVICE
WASHINGTON. D C
M. D. BURDICK
STATE CONSERVATIONIST
SOIL CONSERVATION SERVICE
DENVER, COLORADO
Released by
ALBERT W. HAMELSTROM
STATE CONSERVATIONIST
SOIL CONSERVATION SERVICE
ALBUQUERQUE, NEW MEXICO
JOHN PATRICK JORDAN
DIRECTOR
C S U
EXPERIMENT STATION
/// Cooperation with
S. E. REYNOLDS
STATE ENGINEER
STATE OF NEW MEXICO
C. J. KUIPER
STATE ENGINEER
STATE OF COLORADO
Report prepared by
JACK N. WASHICHEK, Snow Survey Supervisor
BERNARD A. SHAFER, Assistant Snow Survey Supervisor
JUDY R. TEILBORG, Statistical Assistant
SOIL CONSERVATION SERVICE
SNOW SURVEY UNIT
P.O. BOX 17107
DENVER. COLORADO 80217
TABLE OF CONTENTS
WATER SUPPLY OUTLOOK BY MAJOR WATERSHED AREAS
WATERSHED I -SOUTH PLATTE RIVER WATERSHED
Describes water supply conditions in Fort Collins, Big Thompson, Longmont, Boulder Valley,
Jefferson, Teller-Park, Douglas County, Morgan, Kiowa, West Arapahoe, West Adams, East
Adams, Platte Valley, Southeast Weld, and West Greeley Soil Conservation Districts.
WATERSHED II -ARKANSAS RIVER WATERSHED
Describes water supply conditions in Lake County, Upper Arkansas, Fremont, Custer County
Divide, Fountain Valley, Black Squirrel, Horse-Rush Creek, Central Colorado, Turkey Creek,
Pueblo, Bessemer, Olney Boone, Cheyenne, Upper Huerfano, Stonewall, Spanish Peaks,
Purgatoire, Branson Trinchera, Western Baca, Southeastern Baca, Two Buttes, Bent, Timpas,
Northeast Prowers, Prowers, Kiowa County, West Otero, East Otero, and Big Sandy
Soil Conservation Districts.
WATERSHED III -RIO GRANDE WATERSHED (COLORADO)
Describes water supply conditions in Rio Grande, Center, Conejos, Mosca Hooper,
Mt. Blanca, Sanchez, and Culebra Soil Conservation Districts.
WATERSHED IV -RIO GRANDE WATERSHED (NEW MEXICO)
Describes water supply conditions in Upper Chama, East Rio Arriba, Taos, Lindrith, Jemez,
Santa Fe - Pojoaque, Sandoval, Tijeras, Cuba, and Edgewood Soil Conservation Districts.
WATERSHED V -DOLORES, SAN JUAN, AND ANIMAS RIVERS WATERSHED
Describes water supply conditions in San Miguel Basin. Dove Creek, Dolores, Mancos, LaPlata,
Pine River, San Juan, San Miguel Basin, and Glade Park Soil Conservation Districts.
WATERSHED VI -GUNNISON RIVER WATERSHED
Describes water supply conditions in Delta, Gunnison, Cimarron, Shavano, and Uncompahgre
Soil Conservation Districts.
WATERSHED VII -COLORADO RIVER WATERSHED
Describes water supply conditions in DeBeque, Plateau Valley, Lower Grand Valley,
Bookcliff, Eagle County, Middle Park, Glade Park, Upper Grand Valley, South Side, and
and Mt. Sopris Soil Conservation Districts.
WATERSHED VIII -YAMPA, WHITE AND NORTH PLATTE RIVERS WATERSHED
Describes water supply conditions in Yampa, Moffat, West Routt, East Routt, North Park,
White River, and Douglas Creek Soil Conservation Districts.
WATERSHED IX -LOWER SOUTH PLATTE RIVER WATERSHED
Describes water supply conditions in Sedgwick, South Platte, Haxton, Peetz, Padroni, Morgan,
Rock Creek,and Yuma Soil Conservation Districts.
APPENDIX I -SNOW SURVEY MEASUREMENTS
APPENDIX II
-SOIL MOISTURE MEASUREMENTS
WATER SUPPLY OUTLOOK
as of
APRIL 1, 19 76
GENERALLY ADEQUATE A
100% OR MORE £
LIMITED SHORTAGE ▼
75% - 100%
SEVERE SHORTAGE
75% OR LESS
The map on this page indicates the most probable water supply as of the date of this report. Estimates
assume average conditions of snow fall, precipitation and other factors from this date to the end of the fore-
cast period. As the season progresses accuracy of estimates improve. In addition to expected streamflow,
reservoir storage, soil moisture in irrigated areas, and other factors are considered in estimating water supply.
Estimates apply to irrigated areas along the main streams and may not indicate conditions on small tributaries.
WATER SUPPLY CONDITIONS
as of
APRIL 1, 1976
FORECASTS OF WATER SUPPLIES ARE RELATIVELY UNCHANGED FROM LAST MONTH EXCEPT
FOR NEW MEXICO WHERE FORECASTS WERE LOWERED. MOST OF COLORADO IS EXPECTED TO
HAVE STREAMFLOW NEAR AVERAGE WITH TWO EXCEPTIONS. IN THE FRONT RANGE FROM
CLEAR CREEK DRAINAGE IN THE SOUTH TO THE BIG THOMPSON DRAINAGE IN THE NORTH
LIMITED WATER SHORTAGES ARE EXPECTED. STREAMS WITH HEADWATERS IN THE SAN JUAN
MOUNTAINS SHOULD FLOW TEN TO TWENTY PERCENT ABOUT NORMAL. NEAR AVERAGE
ACCUMULATIONS OF SNOW WERE RECEIVED DURING THE MONTH OF MARCH. THE MOUNTAIN
SNOWPACK IS NOW VERY NEAR ITS MAXIMUM FOR THE SEASON.
COLORADO — PROJECTED STREAMFLOW IS EXPECTED TO BE NEAR AVERAGE
OVER MOST OF THE STATE. SNOWFALL IN THE MOUNTAINS DURING MARCH
WAS NEAR NORMAL. A LOW SNOWPACK STILL EXISTS IN THE FRONT RANGE ON THE HEAD-
WATERS OF CLEAR CREEK, ST. VRAIN, BOULDER, AND BIG THOMPSON DRAINAGES. SPRING
AND SUMMER MELT-WATER FROM THE SAN JUAN MOUNTAINS SHOULD PRODUCE STREAMFLOW
TEN TO TWENTY PERCENT ABOVE NORMAL BARRING ANY LARGE DEPARTURES FROM THE
NORMAL SPRING PRECIPITATION PATTERN. RESERVOIR STORAGE IS AVERAGE FOR THIS
TIME OF YEAR. SOIL MOISTURE IS FAIR TO POOR IN MOST IRRIGATED AREAS.
/^\NEW MEXICO — STREAMFLOW FORECASTS ON STREAMS ORIGINATING IN
NEW MEXICO HAVE DROPPED FROM LAST MONTH AS A RESULT OF SLIGHTLY
BELOW AVERAGE SNOWFALL DURING MARCH. STREAMFLOW SHOULD RANGE FROM TWENTY-FIVE
PERCENT BELOW NORMAL ON THE JEMEZ AND SANTA CRUZ DRAINAGES TO FIFTEEN PERCENT
ABOVE ON THE RIO GRANDE. THE HIGHER FLOWS ON THE RIO GRANDE REFLECT THE GOOD
SNOWPACK IN THE SAN JUAN MOUNTAINS OF COLORADO. SOIL MOISTURE IN VALLEY AREAS
REMAINS POOR IN MOST AREAS. RESERVOIR STORAGE IS HIGHLY VARIABLE.
<7
WATER SUPPLY OUTLOOK
FOR THE SOIL CONSERVATION DISTRICTS IN THE
SOUTH PLATTE RIVER WATERSHED IN COLORADO
as of
APRIL 1, 19 76
U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE ■ SOIL CONSERVATION SERVICE
CSU EXPERIMENT STATION, STATE ENGINEERS OF COLORADO AND NEW MEXICO
COLORADO
J A C K S O
SCALE IN MILES
YOUR WATER SUPPLY
LEGEND
highway
Drainage
Town
Watershed Boundar
Generally Adequate
100% or more
Limited Shortage
75% -1 00%
Severe Shortage
75% or less
STREAMFLOW FORECASTS ON THE SOUTH PLATTE AND ITS NORTHERN TRIBUTARIES WERE
LOWERED DUE TO DEFICIENT SNOWFALL DURING MARCH. FLOWS ARE NOT FORECASTED AS
CRITICAL BUT SEVERAL ARE IN THE 70% RANGE. SNOW CAN BE EXPECTED TO ACCUMULATE
FOR ANOTHER MONTH UNDER NORMAL CONDITIONS. CARRYOVER STORAGE IS SLIGHTLY
ABOVE NORMAL.
.This report prepared by.
JACK N. WASHICHEK — BERNARD A. SHAFER
SNOW SURVEY UNIT, SOIL CONSERVATION SERVICE
DENVER, COLORADO
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE- SOIL CONSERVATION SERVICE
STREAMFLOW FORECASTS (1000 Ac. Ft.) April-September
FORECAST POINT
FORE-
CAST
% of
Average
86
107
/, O
85
247
72
127
80
75
Big Thompson River at Drake (1)
Boulder Creek at Orodell
Cache La Poudre River at Canyon Mouth (2)
Clear Creek at Golden (3)
St. Vrain Creek at Lyons (4)
92
36
210
92
60
(I ) Observed flou plus by-pass to power plants. (2) Observed flou minus trans— basin diversions plus municipal and irrigation diversions. (3) Observed flou minus
diversion through August P. Gumlick Tunnel. (4) Observed flou plus change in storage in Price Reservoir.
WATER SUPPLY OUTLOOK
Expressed as "Poor. Fair. Average. Ex-
cellent" With Respect to Usual Supply.
Flow
Period
STREAM or AREA
Spring
Late
Season
Season
Bear Creek
Avg.
Fair
Coal Creek
Fair
Fair
North Fork of South
Fair
Fair
Platte
North Fork of Cache
Avg.
Fair
La Poudre
Ralston Creek
Fair
Fair
Rock Creek
Fair
Fair
SUMMARY of SNOW MEASUREMENTS
(COMPARISON WITH PREVIOUS YEARS)
RIVER BASIN
and/' or
SUB-WATERSHED
Big Thompson
Boulder
Cache La Poudre
Clear Creek
Saint Vrain
South Platte
slumber of
Courses
Averaged
THIS YEAR'S SNOW
WATER AS PERCENT OF
8b
78
99
69
75
70
91
82
104
81
82
95
RESERVOIR STORAGE (Thousand Ac. Ft.) END OF MONTH
RESERVOIR
Usable
Capacl ty
Usable Storage
This
Year
Last
Year
Average
Antero
33
16
16
14
Barr Lake
32
27
29
25
Black Hollow
8
5
5
4
Boyd Lake
44
38
37
38
Cache La Poudre
10
7
7
8
Carter Lake
109
102
107
95
Chambers Lake
9
3
4
3
Cheesman
79
47
44
59
Cobb Lake
34
16
17
15
Eleven Mile
98
97
97
88
Fossil Creek
12
7
8
8
Gross
43
19
19
28
Halligan
6
2
6
5
Horsetoo th
144
121
103
111
Lake Loveland
14
10
10
10
Lone Tree
9
5
6
7
Mariano
5
5
5
5
Marshall
10
5
7
5
Marston
18
14
16
15
Milton
24
16
15
14
S tandley
42
33
32
19
Terry
8
6
6
5
Union
13
11
12
10
Windsor
19
15
12
12
* 1958-1972 period.
Return if no t del i vered
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
SOIL CONSERVATION SERVICE
SNOW SURVEY UNIT
P.O. BOX 17107
DENVER. COLORADO 80217
POSTAGE AND FEES PAID
U S. DEPARTMENT OF
AGRICULTURE
FIRST CLASS MAIL
-lb
The Conservation of Water begins with the Snow Survey'''
WATER SUPPLY OUTLOOK
FOR THE SOIL CONSERVATION DISTRICTS IN THE
ARKANSAS RIVER WATERSHED IN COLORADO
as of
APRIL 1, 19 76
U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE SOIL CONSERVATION SERVICE
CSU EXPERIMENT STATION, STATE ENGINEERS OF COLORADO AND NEW MEXICO
E W ME
YOUR WATER SUPPLY
STREAMFLOW IS FORECAST TO BE NEAR TO SLIGHTLY BELOW AVERAGE ON ALL STREAMS.
SNOWFALL DURING MARCH WAS NEAR NORMAL. THE MOUNTAIN SNOWPACK IS NEAR MAXIMUM
FOR THE SEASON AND WILL SOON BEGIN TO RELEASE ITS STORED WATER. SOIL MOISTURE
IN IRRIGATED AREAS REMAINS POOR. CARRYOVER STORAGE IS MUCH BELOW NORMAL IN
NEARLY ALL RESERVOIRS.
.This report prepared by.
JACK N. WASHICHEK— BERNARD A. SHAFER
SNOW SURVEY UNIT. SOIL CONSERVATION SERVICE
DENVER. COLORADO
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE- SOIL CONSERVATION SERVICE
STREAMFLOW FORECASTS (1000 Ac. Ft.) April-September
FORECAST POINT
CAST
% of
Average
Average
Arkansas River near Pueblo (1)
300
103
290
Arkansas River at Salida (1)
320
102
313
Cucharas River near La Veta
10
100
10
Huerfano River near Redwing
14
93
15
Purgatoire River at Trinidad
34
89
38
(l) Observed flow plus change in Clear Creek, Twin Lakes and Turquoise Reservoirs minus diversions through Busk Ivanhoe. B ous lead. Divide, Twin Lakes
and Homestake Tunnels and twing. Front Pass, Wurtz and Columbine ditches.
WATER SUPPLY OUTLOOK
Expressed as "Poor. Fair, Average, E>
cellent" With Respect to Usual Supply
RESERVOIR STORAGE (Thousand Ac. Ft.) end of
STREAM or AREA
Apishapa River
Fountain Creek
Grape Creek
Hardscrabble Creek
Monument Creek
Flow Period
Spring
Season
Avg,
Avg,
Avg
Avg
Avg,
Avg
Avg
Avg
Avg
Avg
SUMMARY of SNOW MEASUREMENTS
(COMPARISON WITH PREVIOUS YEARS)
RIVER BASIN
and/ or
SUB-WATERSHED
Arkansas
Cucharas
Purgatoire
Number of
Courses
Averaged
10
1
1
THIS YEAR'S SNOW
WATER AS PERCENT OF
69
57
58
Average *
97
104
94
RESERVOI R
Usable
Capacity
Usable Storage
This
Year
Last
Year
A *
Average
Adobe
62
o
o
Clear Creek
1 1
4
2
8
Cucharas
40
NA
0
3
Great Plains
150
0
0
61
Horse Creek
27
8
0
7
John Martin
354
10
8
91
Meredith
42
0
0
14
Model
15
0
0
4
Turquoise
121
45
38
Twin Lakes
58
17
16
26
NA-Not Available
* 1958
-1972 period.
Return if not del i vered
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
SOIL CONSERVATION SERVICE
SNOW SURVEY UNIT
P.O. BOX 17107
DENVER, COLORADO 80217
POSTAGE AND FEES PAID
U S DEPARTMENT OF
AGRICULTURE
AGR-IOI
rmfiT PI inn urn
iiiimI ywoy
0-2b
The Conservation of Water begins with the Snow Survey"
WATER SUPPLY OUTLOOK
FOR THE SOIL CONSERVATION DISTRICTS IN THE
UPPER RIO GRANDE WATERSHED IN COLORADO
as of
APRIL 1, 1976
U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE ■ SOIL CONSERVATION SERVICE
CSU EXPERIMENT STATION, STATE ENGINEERS OF COLORADO AND NEW MEXICO
YOUR WATER SUPPLY
THE SNOWFALL REMAINED ABOVE NORMAL DURING MARCH . FORECASTS ON THE RIO GRANDE
STREAMS ARE ABOVE NORMAL EXCEPT ON THE EASTERN SIDE OF THE BASIN WHERE
CULEBRA CREEK IS ONLY EXPECTED TO FLOW 90%. THIS SHOULD PROVIDE ADEQUATE
WATER FOR ALL USERS. CARRYOVER STORAGE IS 124% OF NORMAL AND WILL PROVIDE A
GOOD SUPPLEMENT. MORE SNOW COULD ACCUMULATE AT THE HIGHER LEVELS DURING APRIL.
.This report prepared by.
JACK N. WASHICHEK — BERNARD A. SHAFER
SNOW SURVEY UNIT, SOIL CONSERVATION SERVICE
DENVER, COLORADO
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE- SOIL CONSERVATION SERVICE
STREAMFLOW FORECASTS (1000 Ac. Ft.) April-September
FORECAST POINT
FORE-
% of
CAST
Average
Average
Alamosa Creek above Terrace Reservoir
72
116
62
Conejos River near Mogote (1)
200
109
184
Culebra Creek at San Luis (2)
15
88
17
Rio Grande at 30 Mile Bridge (3)
130
107
121
Rio Grande near Del Norte (3)
525
112
468
South Fork of Rio Grande at South Fork
135
117
115
(l) Observed flou plus change in storage in Platoro Reservoir. (2) Observed flow plus change in storage in Sanchez Reservoir. (3) Observed flou plus change in
storage in Santa Maria, Rio Grande and Continental Reservoirs.
WATER SUPPLY OUTLOOK
Expressed as "Poor, Fair. Average. E>
cellent" With Respect to Usual Supply
STREAM or AREA
Saguache Creek
Sangre de Cristo Cr .
Trinchera Creek
Spring
Season
Avg.
Avg.
Avg.
Avg
Avg
Avg
SUMMARY of SNOW MEASUREMENTS
(COMPARISON WITH PREVIOUS YEARS)
RIVER BASIN
and/' or
SUB- WATERSHED
Number of
Courses
Averaged
THIS YEAR'S SNOW
WATER AS PERCENT OF
Last Year
Average •¥
Alamosa
2
83
126
Conejos
3
76
110
Culebra
2
59
79
Rio Grande
10
76
121
Return if not deli
✓ ered
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
SOIL CONSERVATION SERVICE
SNOW SURVEY UNIT
P.O. BOX 17107
DENVER. COLORADO 80217
RESERVOIR STORAGE (Thousand Ac. Ft.) END OF MONTH
Continental
Platoro
Rio Grande
Sanchez
Santa Maria
Terrace
NA-Not Available
Usable
Capacity
27
60
46
103
45
18
Usable Storage
5
14
18
NA
10
10
POSTAGE AND FEES PAID
U 5 DEPARTMENT OF
AGRICULTURE
AGR-IOI
3
19
9
7
4
5
* 1958-1972 period.
FIRST CLASS MAIL
The Conservation of Water begins with the Snow Survey"
WATER SUPPLY OUTLOOK
FOR THE SOIL CONSERVATION DISTRICTS IN THE
RIO GRANDE WATERSHED IN NEW MEXICO
as of
APRIL 1, 19 76
U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE SOIL CONSERVATION SERVICE
CSU EXPERIMENT STATION, STATE ENGINEERS OF COLORADO AND NEW MEXICO
— *c
COLORADO
V
-4
A
▼
■
* M 0 R A
SAN
' F e MIGUE L
YOUR WATER SUPPLY
LEGEND
== Highway
^ Drainage
Town
Watershed Boundar
Generally Adequate
100 % or more
Limited Shortage
75% -1 00%
Severe Shortage
75% or less
0 10 20 3 0 40
SCALE IN MILES
THE SNOWPACK IN NEW MEXICO IS GENERALLY
BELOW NORMAL. FLOWS WILL BE DEFICIENT ON
=3eHE OF THE SMALL STREAMS. STREAMS
ORIGINATING IN COLORADO ARE EXPECTED TO FLOW BETTER THAN NORMAL DUE TO THE
GOOD SNOWPACK. CARRYOVER STORAGE IS GOOD. THE SNOW SEASON IS CONSIDERED TO
BE OVER IN NEW MEXICO HOWEVER SOME HIGH ELEVATION ACCUMULATION COULD OCCUR.
.This report prepared by _
JACK N. WASHICHEK — BERNARD A. SHAFER
SNOW SURVEY UNIT, SOIL CONSERVATION SERVICE
DENVER, COLORADO
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE- SOIL CONSERVATION SERVICE
STREAMFLOW FORECASTS (1000 Ac. Ft.) March-July
FORECAST POINT
FORE -
CAST
Average
Average
LOSLllla L>ireGK. at ^(JbUJ — L-Ld V- 1 -/
15
80
19
jeniez xviveir near jtiiutiz
22
76
29
Pecos River at Pecos
"}5
41
Red River at Mouth near Questa
? 5
86
29
kio unaiua at jdx vaao
200
105
190
kio Lrranae at. utowi ^z,/
600
114
526
Rio Grande at San Marcial (2)
H- Z. _>
120
355
Rio Hondo near Valdez
12
86
14
Santa Cruz River at Cundiyo
10
77
13
(1 ) Observed flow plus change in Costilla Reservoir. (2) Observed flow plus change in storage in El Vado and Abiquiu Reservoir .
WATER SUPPLY OUTLOOK E c x e p , r ,:
ssed as "Poor, F
nt" With Respec
air, Average, Ex-
to Usual Supply.
Flow
Penod
STREAM or AREA
Spring
Late
Season
Season
Embudo Creek
Fair
Fair
Mora River
Fair
Fair
Nambe Creek
Fair
Fair
Rio Ojo Caliante
Fair
Fair
Rio Pueblo de Taos
Fair
Fair
Santa Fe Creek
Fair
Fair
RESERVOIR STORAGE (Thousand Ac. Ft.) END OF MONTH
SUMMARY of SNOW MEASUREMENTS
(COMPARISON WITH PREVIOUS YEARS)
RIVER BASIN
and/ or
SUB-WATERSHED
Number of
Courses
Averaged
THIS YEAR'S SNOW
WATER AS PERCENT OF
Last Year
Average *
Pecos
1
7
15
Red River
2
86
144
Rio Chama
5
39
79
Rio Grande, NM
11
47
80
Rio Hondo
RESERVOIR
Alamogordo
Avalon
Cabal lo
Conchas
El Vado
Elephant Butte
McMillan
Usable
Capacity
111
5
344
273
195
2195
34
Usable Storage
2
5
44
83
130
651
16
48
1
42
132
95
445
29
* 1958-1972 period.
Return i f no t del i vered
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
SOIL CONSERVATION SERVICE
SNOW SURVEY UNIT
P.O. BOX 17107
DENVER, COLORADO 80217
POSTAGE AND FEES PAID
U S DEPARTMENT OF
AGRICULTURE
FIRST CLASS MAIL
The Conservation of Water begins with the Snow Survey"
WATER SUPPLY OUTLOOK
FOR THE SOIL CONSERVATION DISTRICTS IN THE
SAN MIGUEL, DOLORES, ANIMAS, AND SAN JUAN
WATERSHEDS IN COLORADO AND NEW MEXICO
as of
APRIL 1, 1976
U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE SOIL CONSERVATION SERVICE
CSU EXPERIMENT STATION, STATE ENGINEERS OF COLORADO AND NEW MEXICO
I
LEGEND
Highway
Drainage
Town
Watershed Boundary
Generally Adequate
100 % or more
Limited Shortage
75% -100%
Severe Shortage
75% or less
COLORADO
10 20 30 40
SCALE IN MILES
YOUR WATER SUPPLY
THE SNOWPACK THAT ACCUMULATED
DURING FEBRUARY STILL REMAINS ABOVE
NORMAL AND WILL PROVIDE ADEQUATE WATER
SUPPLIES THIS SUMMER. ALL FORECASTS IN THE BASIN ARE HIGHER THAN THE 1958-72
NORMAL. CARRYOVER STORAGE IS 118% OF NORMAL AND SHOULD BE A GOOD SUPPLEMENTAL
SUPPLY. VALLEY SOIL MOISTURE IS REPORTED AS FAIR TO GOOD.
-This report prepared by.
JACK N. WASHICHEK— BERNARD A. SHAFER
SNOW SURVEY UNIT, SOIL CONSERVATION SERVICE
DENVER. COLORADO
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE- SOIL CONSERVATION SERVICE
STREAMFLOW FORECASTS (1000 Ac. Ft.) April-September
FORECAST POINT
FORE-
CAST
% of
Average
Average *
Animas River at Durango
450
111
111
/i 0 1
4Zj
Hn1 at"oc Pi irDY* nf Rn1 atdc
UUlUlco I\.J-VfciL a. L UUlUIcij
255
I 1 A
I I D
9^9
Z JZ
T a "PI 3t*a Pi'iTor o -f- Uqctidt'iic
La rXa.Ua. alvci a. I_ Hco^JcL U.O
24
1 9 1
1Z 1
9 A
Z^T
Los Pinos River at Bayfield (1)
210
1 1h
1 QQ
l y o
llciLlL. <J i3 J\ivcl LLC-cLL lUWdL
16
1 1 A
i m-
1 A
i^+
luLiow lu iNavajo River ^1 cy. z^
680
1ZU
J? /
Pi d^t a rrooV at" A rKnl oc
i:XeU.ici L<LfcifciK. d. L fllDUItiij
215
1 1 Q
1 Ly
1 QC
San Juan River at Carracas
400
113
354
San Miguel River at Placerville
i An
108
130
(1 ) Observed flow plus change in storage in Vallicito Reservoir. (21 April - July
WATER SUPPLY OUTLOOK
Expressed as "Poor, Fair, Average, E>
cedent" With Respect to Usual Supply
Flow
Period
STREAM or AREA
Spring
Late
Season
Season
Florida River
Exc.
Avg.
Hermosa Creek
Exc.
Avg.
West Dolores River
Exc.
Avg.
Williams Creek
Exc.
Avg.
SUMMARY of SNOW MEASUREMENTS
(COMPARISON WITH PREVIOUS YEARS)
RIVER BASIN
and/ or
SUB-WATERSHED
Animas
Dolores
San Juan
Number of
Courses
Averaged
THIS YEAR'S SNOW
WATER AS PERCENT OF
74
61
73
117
104
118
RESERVOIR STORAGE (Thousand Ac. Ft.) END OF MONTH
RESERVOIR
Groundhog
Jackson Gulch
Lemon
Navaj o
Vallecito
Usable
Capaci ty
22
10
40
1696
126
Usable Storage
Last
Year
9
6
20
1063
60
3
5
974
30
* 1958-1972 period.
Return i f no t del i vered
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
SOIL CONSERVATION SERVICE
SNOW SURVEY UNIT
P.O. BOX 17107
DENVER, COLORADO 80217
PEr
POSTAGE AND FEES PAID
U S DEPARTMENT OF
AGRICULTURE
AGFt-lOl
FIRST CLASS MAIL
Sb
The Conservation of Water begins with the Snow Survey"
WATER SUPPLY OUTLOOK
FOR THE SOIL CONSERVATION DISTRICTS IN THE
GUNNISON RIVER WATERSHED IN COLORADO
as of
APRIL 1, 1976
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE ■ SOIL CONSERVATION SERVICE
CSU EXPERIMENT STATION, STATE ENGINEERS OF COLORADO AND NEW MEXICO
M E S A
COLORADO
Limited Shortage
75% -1 00%
Severe Shortage
75% or less
SCALE IN MILES
YOUR WATER SUPPLY
SUMMER FLOW OF THE GUNNISON RIVER AND ITS TRIBUTARIES SHOULD BE ABOVE NORMAL
THIS SHOULD PROVIDE ADEQUATE WATER TO ALL USERS. CARRYOVER STORAGE IS 120%
OF NORMAL. BLUE MESA NOW CONTAINS 425,000 ACRE FEET. SOILS IN THE IRRIGATED
AREA ARE REPORTED TO BE IN FAIR CONDITION.
.This report prepared by.
JACK N. WASHICHEK— BERNARD A. SHAFER
SNOW SURVEY UNIT, SOIL CONSERVATION SERVICE
DENVER, COLORADO
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE - SOIL CONSERVATION SERVICE
STREAMFLOW FORECASTS (1000 Ac. Ft.) April-September
FORECAST POINT
FORE-
CAST
% of
Average
*
Average
Gunnison River inflow to Blue Mesa Reservoir (1)
Gunnison River near Grand Junction (2)
North Fork of Gunnison (3)
Surface Creek near Cedaredge
Uncompahgre River at Colona
(1 ) Observed flow plus change in storage in Taylor Reservoir. (2 ) Observed flow plus change in slorag
(3) Observed flow plus change in storage in Paonia Reservoir.
840
1250
280
15
140
in Blue M esa, Mo
106
106
106
94
104
tow Point and Tay
793
1184
263
16
134
or Reservoirs .
WATER SUPPLY OUTLOOK
Expressed as "Poor, Fair, Average, Ex-
cellent" With Respect to Usual Supply.
Flow
Period
STREAM or AREA
Spring
Lace
Season
Season
Ohio Creek
Avg.
Fair
Slate River
Avg.
Fair
Taylor River
Avg.
Fair
Tomichi Creek
Avg.
Fair
SUMMARY of SNOW MEASUREMENTS
(COMPARISON WITH PREVIOUS YEARS)
RIVER BASIN
and/ or
SUB-WATERSHED
Gunnison
Surface Creek
Uncompahgre
Number of
Courses
Averaged
12
3
3
THIS YEAR'S SNOW
WATER AS PERCENT OF
Last Year
72
74
70
95
92
114
RESERVOIR STORAGE (Thousand Ac. Ft.)
END OF MONTH
Usable
Capacity
Blue Mesa
Morrow Point
Tavlor
830
121
106
U sable Storage
425
115
60
336
115
50
315
114
65
* 1958-1972 per
Return if not delivered
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
SOIL CONSERVATION SERVICE
SNOW SURVEY UNIT
P.O. BOX 17107
DENVER, COLORADO 80217
POSTAGE AND FEES PAID
U- S. DEPARTMENT OF
AGRICULTURE
FIRST CLASS MAIL
CO-6b
"The Conservation of Water begins with the Snow Survey"
WATER SUPPLY OUTLOOK
FOR THE SOIL CONSERVATION DISTRICTS IN THE
COLORADO RIVER WATERSHED IN COLORADO
as of
APRIL 1, 1976
U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE ■ SOIL CONSERVATION SERVICE
CSU EXPERIMENT STATION, STATE ENGINEERS OF COLORADO AND NEW MEXICO
YOUR WATER SUPPLY
THE COLORADO RIVER SNOWPACK REMAINED ABOUT NORMAL DURING MARCH. NEAR NORMAL
STREAMFLOWS SHOULD RESULT. FORECASTS ARE MADE ASSUMING NORMAL PRECIPITATION
FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE YEAR. AT LEAST A MONTH OF POSSIBLE SNOW BUILD-UP
REMAINS. CARRYOVER STORAGE IS SLIGHTLY ABOVE NORMAL.
.This report prepared by.
JACK N. WASHICHEK — BERNARD A. SHAFER
SNOW SURVEY UNIT, SOIL CONSERVATION SERVICE
DENVER. COLORADO
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE- SOIL CONSERVATION SERVICE
STREAMFLOW FORECASTS (1000 Ac. Ft.) April-September
FOR E -
% of
*
FORECAST POINT
CAST
Average
Average
Blue River inflow to Dillon Reservoir
1 JD
80
169
Blue River inflow to Green Mountain Reservoir (1)
o o rv
ZoO
94
297
Colorado River near Cameo (6)
o o c rt
99
2370
Colorado River near Dotsero (3)
98
1434
Colorado River inflow to Granby Reservoir (2)
ZZU
96
228
Roaring Fork at Glenwood Springs (4)
"7 1 tr
/Id
100
713
Williams Fork near Parshall (5)
55
87
63
Willow Creek inflow to Willow Creek Reservoir
47
100
47
(1) Observed flow plus diversions through Roberts Tunnel and change in storage in Dillon Reservoir. (2) Observed flow corrected for change in storage in Lake Granby
as furnished by L'.S.B.R. and diversions by Adams Tunnel and Grand River Ditch. (3) Observed flow plus the changes as indicated in (I), (2) and (5) plus Moffat Ditch
and change in H omestake, Williams Fork, Green V/j. and Willow Creek Reservoirs. (4) Observed flow plus diversions through Divide and Twin Lakes Tunnels dIus change
in storage in Ruedi Reservoir. (5 ) Observed flow plus diversions through August P. Gumlick Tunnel. (6) Observed flow plus the changes as indicated in (3) and (4).
WATER SUPPLY OUTLOOK \Z ent" With Respect to Usual Supply
RESERVOIR STORAGE (Thousand Ac. Ft.)
Flow
Period
STREAM or AREA
Spring
Season
Late
Season
Brush
Eagle River
Gypsum Creek
Avg.
Avg.
Avg.
Avg.
Avg.
Avg.
SUMMARY of SNOW MEASUREMENTS
(COMPARISON WITH PREVIOUS YEARS)
RIVER BASIN
and/ or
SUB-WATERSHED
Number of
Courses
Averaged
THIS YEAR'S SNOW
WATER AS PERCENT OF
Last Year
Average ■¥
Blue River
8
76
92
Colorado
20
84
94
Plateau
3
76
93
Roaring Fork
7
76
103
Williams Fork
3
83
93
Willow
2
88
97
END OF MONTH
Usable
Capacity
Dillon
Granby
Green Mountain
Homes take
Ruedi
Vega
Williams Fork
Willow Creek
254
466
139
43
101
32
97
9
Usable Storage
225
279
58
0
55
12
42
6
209
288
62
33
54
6
34
7
1958-1972 period.
Return if not delivered
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
SOIL CONSERVATION SERVICE
SNOW SURVEY UNIT
P.O. BOX 17107
DENVER, COLORADO 80217
POSTAGE AND FEES PAID
U. S DEPARTMENT OF
AGRICULTURE
FIRST CUSS MAIL
CO-7b
"The Conservation of Water begins with the Snow Survey"
WATER SUPPLY OUTLOOK
FOR THE SOIL CONSERVATION DISTRICTS IN THE
YAMPA, WHITE, AND NORTH PLATTE RIVER WATERSHEDS
IN COLORADO
as of
APRIL 1, 19 76
U. S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE SOIL CONSERVATION SERVICE
CSU EXPERIMENT STATION, STATE ENGINEERS OF COLORADO AND NEW MEXICO
- r
h
RAND
1 <
, '
10 20
SCALE IN MILES
COLORADO
\ 9 I
~C 6 V
3 \
2
/ 1
) A 4 /
Generally Adequate
100% or more
Limited Shortage
75% -100%
Severe Shortage
75% or less
YOUR WATER SUPPLY
THE SNOWPACK IN NORTH CENTRAL AND NORTHWESTERN COLORADO IS JUST SLIGHTLY
BELOW NORMAL. SUMMER FLOWS SHOULD STILL PROVIDE ADEQUATE WATER TO MOST
USERS. EARLY SEASON FLOW SHOULD BE AT LEAST AVERAGE. SOIL MOISTURE
CONDITIONS IN THE IRRIGATED AREAS ARE REPORTED AS FAIR. FORECASTS ARE
BASED ON NORMAL CLIMATIC CONDITIONS FOR THE REMAINDER OF THE YEAR. AT
LEAST ONE MORE MONTH REMAINS WHEN SNOW COULD ACCUMULATE AT HIGH ELEVATIONS
.This report prepared by
JACK N. WASHICHEK — BERNARD A. SHAFER
SNOW SURVEY UNIT. SOIL CONSERVATION SERVICE
DENVER, COLORADO
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE - SOIL CONSERVATION SERVICE
STREAMFLOW FORECASTS (1000 Ac. Ft.) April-September
FORE-
% of
FORECAST POINT
CAST
Average
Average "*
Elk River at Clark
180
91
1 QQ
Ly o
Laramie River near Woods
127
100
1 97
Little Snake River at Lily
300
93
^9A
North Platte River at Northgate
216
90
9 An
Z4U
White River near Meeker
285
97
9Q S
Yampa River near Maybell
790
87
905
Yampa River at Steamboat Springs
230
84
274
WATER SUPPLY OUTLOOK
Expressed as "Poor. Fair, Average. E>
cedent" With Respect to Usual Supply
SUMMARY of SNOW MEASUREMENTS
(COMPARISON WITH PREVIOUS YEARS)
Flow Period
STREAM or AREA
Spring
Late
Season
Season
Canadian River
Avg.
Avg.
Hunt Creek
Avg.
Avg.
Illinois River
Avg.
Avg.
Michigan River
Avg.
Avg.
Oak Creek
Avg.
Avg.
Trout Creek
Avg.
Avg.
RIVER BASIN
and/ or
SUB-WATERSHED
Number of
Courses
Averaged
THIS YEAR'S SNOW
WATER AS PERCENT OF
Last Year
Average *
Elk
2
72
89
Laramie
3
112
105
North Platte
5
89
101
White
2
82
100
Yampa
6
72
87
X- 1958-1972 period.
Return i f no t del i vered
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
SOIL CONSERVATION SERVICE
SNOW SURVEY UNIT
P.O. BOX 17107
DENVER. COLORADO 80217
POSTAGE AND FEES PAID
U S DEPARTMENT OF
AGRICULTURE
AGR-IOI
FIRST CLASS MAIL
CO-8b
The Conservation of Water begins with the Snow Survey"
WATER SUPPLY OUTLOOK
FOR THE SOIL CONSERVATION DISTRICTS IN THE
LOWER SOUTH PLATTE RIVER WATERSHED IN COLORADO
as of
APRIL 1, 1976
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE • SOIL CONSERVATION SERVICE
CSU EXPERIMENT STATION, STATE ENGINEERS OF COLORADO AND NEW MEXICO
SNOWFALL WAS LIGHT DURING MARCH OVER ALL OF THE SOUTH PLATTE BASIN.
FORECASTS WERE DROPPED BELOW NORMAL ON THE MAINSTEM AND ALL THE NORTHERN
TRIBUTARIES. EXPECTED STREAMFLOW RANGES BETWEEN 70% AND 97% OF THE 15-YEAR
NORMAL. EARLY FLOWS SHOULD BE ABOUT NORMAL, BUT LATE SEASON FLOWS WILL BE
LOW, EXP EC I ALLY BELOW GREELEY. CARRYOVER RESERVOIR STORAGE IS NORMAL.
report prepared by.
JACK N. WASHICHEK— BERNARD A. SHAFER
SNOW SURVEY UNIT, SOIL CONSERVATION SERVICE
DENVER. COLORADO
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE - SOIL CONSERVATION SERVICE
STREAMFLOW FORECASTS (1000 Ac. Ft.) A P rii-Se P tembe,
FORECAST POINT
FORE-
CAST
% of
Average
Average*
Ri n TTinrrm cnn Ri iror a(- Tl"*"atre> ill
j_ iiu my oyj ll ixj-vci. a. u u l ct rvc v.-"-/
Q 9
OD
1U /
7^
/ J
/, Q
faoVio T a PnnHro Ri iror at" fanvnn Mniit~Vi I 9 i
udLllc J_ic± r u uu I. c uivcL a. L o clli y uu in_» i_i (_ ii \t- J
9AH
Q7
0 /. 7
Clear Creek at Golden (3)
89
70
127
Saint Vrain Creek at Lyons (4)
60
80
75
(1 ) Observed flow plus by— pass to power plants. (2) Observed flow minus trans— basin diversions plus municipal and irrigation diversions. (3) Observed (low minus
diversion through August P. Gumlick Tunnel. (4) Observed flow plus change in storage in Price Reservoir.
WATER SUPPLY OUTLOOK
Expressed as "Poor, Fair, Average. E>
cellent" With Respect to Usual Supply
RESERVOIR STORAGE (Thousand Ac. Ft.) end of
Flow Period
STREAM or AREA
Spring
Season
Late
Season
South Platte from
Fair
Poor
Greeley to Fort
Morgan
South Platte from
Fair
Poor
Fort Morgan to
Sterling
South Platte below
Fair
Poor
Sterling
SUMMARY of SNOW MEASUREMENTS
(COMPARISON WITH PREVIOUS YEARS)
RIVER BASIN
Number of
THIS YEAR'S SNOW
and/ or
Courses
WATER AS PERCENT OF
SUB- WATERSHED
Averaged
Last Year
Average*
Big Thompson
5
86
91
Boulder
3
78
82
Cache La Poudre
7
99
104
Clear Creek
6
69
81
Saint Vrain
3
75
82
South Platte
3
70
95
Return i f no t del i vered
UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
SOIL CONSERVATION SERVICE
SNOW SURVEY UNIT
P.O. BOX 17107
DENVER. COLORADO 80217
RESERVOIR
Usable
Capacity
Usable Storage
This
Year
Last
Year
Average*
Carter
109
102
107
95
Cheesman
79
47
44
59
Eleven Mile
98
97
97
88
Empire
38
32
32
33
Horsetooth
144
121
103
111
Jackson
35
32
32
34
Julesburg
28
23
23
22
Point of Rocks
70
69
71
66
Prewitt
33
27
27
23
Riverside
58
58
52
58
* 1958
-1972 period.
POSTAGE AND FEES PAID
U S DEPARTMENT OF
AGRICULTURE
AGR-lOl
FIRST CLASS MAIL
CO-9b
The Conservation of Water begins with the Snow Survey"
APPENDIX I
SNOW COURSE MEASUREMENTS as of april i, 1976
NORTH PLATTE BASIN
Laramie River
Deadman Hill
Mclntyre
Roach
North Platte River
Cameron Pass
Columbine Lodge
Northgate
Park View
Willow Cr. Pass (B)
SOUTH PLATTE BASIN
Boulder Creek
Baltimore
Boulder Falls
University Camp
Big Thompson River
Deer Ridge
Hidden Valley
Lake Irene (B)
Long' s Peak
Two Mile
Cache La Poudre
Bennett Creek
Big South
Cameron Pass
Chambers Lake
Deadman Hill
Hourglass Lake
Joe Wright
Lost Lake
Red Feather
Clear Creek
Baltimore (B)
Berthoud Falls
Empire
Grizzly Peak (B)
Loveland Lift
Loveland Pass
St. Vrain River
Copeland Lake
Ward
Wild Basin
South Platte River
Como
Geneva Park
Horseshoe Mt.
Hoosier Pass
Jefferson Creek
Mosquito
Trout Creek Pass
ARKANSAS BASIN
Arkansas River
Bigelow Divide
Cooper Hill (B)
East Fork
Four Mile Park
Fremont Pass
Garfield
Hermit Lake
Monarch Pass
Tennessee Pass
Twin Lakes Tunnel
Westclif f e
NOTE: NS - No Survey
(B) - On Adjacent Drainage
~Y PAST R
WATER C
°OF E
DEPTH
WATER
CONTENT
SURVEY
(INCHES)
(INCHES)
LAST
« C
58-72
3/31
49
15
3
14.2
16.8
3/28
40
1 1
3
11.1
10.8
3/28
67
21
5
17.8
18.2
3/29
84
33
8
31.9
28 . 7
3/25
58
20
3
29.5
24 . 0
3/29
22
5
6
5.8
6.5
3/30
34
9
7
10 . 7
9.2
3/30
41
12
2
14.0
12.7
3/29
21
5
6
7.7
6.8
1 1 9 0.
40
11
8
14.0
13.4
3/29
58
15
0
20.0
19.3
3/29
20
4
6
5 . 2
4.8
3/30
38
10
9
10 . 1
10.5
3/28
59
19
5
21.6
20.9
3/29
39
8
9
13.5
10.9
3/30
46
12
8
15 . 3
15.1
3/30
28
6.4
3/29
3
Q
2 . 6
2.1
3/29
84
33
g
31.9
28.7
3/29
29
9
9
12.1
9.6
3/31
49
15
3
14 . 2
16.8
3/30
27
7
6
6. 6
6.7
3/29
72
23
4
26.6
3/29
40
11
9
12.9
11.8
-a / -a i
J/ Ji
24
7
Q
6.3
6 . 9
3/29
21
5
6
7.7
6.8
3/29
38
10
4
17.4
13.6
3/29
25
6
4
10.4
7 . 8
3/26
51
15
3
22.3
18.9
3/26
50
15
1
20.8
21.1
3/26
45
15
1
19.6
15 . 7
3/29
16
3
3
6.3
4.4
3/30
27
5
1
5.9
6.5
3/29
37
9
8
12.2
11.2
3/30
27
6
6
8.9
3/27
16
3
6
5.0
3.8
3/29
38
9
6
16.2
3/31
42
11
7
17.5
12.9
3/30
35
9
4
12.9
9.2
3/30
31
8
4
14.2
3/29
22
4
7
6.7
3/29
33
8
2
9.5
6.5
4/02
41
11
1
14.4
11.3
3/30
34
9
7
12.3
9.8
3/30
26
6
9
10.4
5.1
3/30
56
16
9
18.2
16.2
3/31
33
10
8
19.9
13.0
3/30
37
7
8
16.1
3/31
44
12
9
24.4
17.1
3/30
38
10
8
13.5
10.6
3/26
36
10
0
14.8
10.7
3/30
28
6
4
13.2
6.3
^ CURRENT INFORMATION
1
^ PAST BECDOD ^
DATE
*ATER CONTENT
SNOW COURSE
OF
OEPTH
CONTE
NT
(INCHES)
(INCHES)
(INCHES)
LAST
YEAR
58-72
Cucharas River
Ap ishapa
3/30
26
g
10.6
Cucharas Creek
3/30
42
10
.0
12.9
La Veta Pass (B)
3/30
36
7
.7
13.4
7.4
•
Purgatoire River
Bourbon
3/30
34
6
.6
11.3
7.0
RIO GRANDE BASIN-COLO
Alamosa River
Silver Lakes
4/01
21
6
.7
10 . 3
5 . 3
Summitville
3/29
76
23
. 4
25.8
1 O . 0
Conejos River
Cumbres
3/26
52
18
.5
24 . 5
18.0
La Manga
3/26
63
21
.0
27.6
Platoro
3/30
64
20.3
99 /.
1 A 9
10. J
River Springs
3/30
12
3
.8
9 . 4
4 . 6
Culebra River
Brown Cabin
3/31
5
1
.6
12.2
Cottonwood (B)
NS
Culebra
3/30
38
7
.7
12.6
8.4
La Veta Pass (B)
i / in
JI JU
JO
7
.7
13.4
7.4
Trinchera (B)
3/31
32
7
.7
10.5
Rio Grande
Cochetopa Pass
3/29
23
5
.0
9.6
5.9
Grayback
3/29
64
20
.0
21.7
Hiway
3/29
93
29
.6
9./, 7
9 7 P.
iJ.O
Lake Humphrey
3/31
29
9
.5
10.8
6.1
Love Lake
3/30
38
12
.1
14.3
Pass Creek
3/29
50
15
.9
18.2
9.8
Pool Table
3/30
25
5.8
6.4
6.1
3/29
36
10
.4
16.7
10.5
Santa Maria
3/ 30
13
3
.2
10.6
3.6
Upper Rio Grande
3/30
29
8
.7
14.2
7.5
Wolf Creek Pass
3/29
96
33
.2
39.4
25.5
Wolf Cr. Summit (B)
3/ 20
102
32
.0
41 . 6
28.3
RIO GRANDE BASIN-NM
Pecos River
Panchuela
3/29
2
0
3
4 . 1
2.0
Rio Chama
Bateman
51 Id
34
11
4
17.1
11.7
Capulin
3/26
1
0
5
7.2
2.7
Capulin Peak
3/26
4
1
7.5
3.4
Chama Divide
3/26
u
0
0
6.7
1.7
Chamita
1 / 9/.
J/ Z4
ZD
8
2
16.4
7.2
Rio Grande
Alamitos
3/26
10
3
9
10.4
Big Tesuque
3/30
12
2
8
8.8
4.6
Cordova
3/26
34
8
9
11.5
10.1
Elk Cabin
3/29
5
1
1
3.5
2.5
Hopewell
3/23
53
19
7
20.5
La Cueva
3/29
6
1
8
10.7
Pajarito
3/ 30
0
0
0
0.2
0.0
P3.j3.rito PgsIc
9 / in
j7 jU
0
0
0
2 . 1
0 . 3
Palo
3/30
27
8.
0
9 . 7
Payrole
3/29
19
6
0
13.6
6 . 8
Quemazon
3/31
21
5 .
7
14 .4
9 . 0
Rio En Medio
3/30
27
6.
8
12 4
7 4
Sandoval
3/31
8
1
8.6
4.2
Senorita Divide
3/30
1.
1
12.9
Taos Canyon
3/30
18
4.
9
7.4
3.9
Tres Ritos
3/26
14
4.
6
8.0
4.8
Rio Hondo
Taos Powderhorn
3/31
79
29.
7
32.1
Red River
Hematite Park (B)
3/29
19
4.
3
6.1
3.5
Red River
3/29
29
8.
8
9.2
5.6
Red River #2
3/30
26
8.
0
9.1
GPO 834-493
SNOW COURSE MEASUREMENTS as of april i, 1976
DATE
SNOW
" c
Ses> EN
SNOW COURSE
OF
DEPTH
(INCHES)
58-72
SAN JUAN-DOLORES BASIN
Animas River
Cascade
3/30
40
15.1
19.5
10.2
Lemon #2
3/31
24
8.7
19.4
Mineral Creek
3/30
46
15.8
24.6
15.4
Mo las Lake
3/30
40
14.6
20.0
12.6
Purgatory
3/30
62
23.6
31.1
Red Mt. Pass (B)
3/30
87
32.8
41.5
31.5
Silverton Sub-Sta.
3/30
25
9.8
13.5
5.2
Spud Mountain
3/ 30
65
26 .9
36. 1
23 . 1
Dolores River
Lizard Head
3/29
51
17.8
25.8
17.2
Lone Cone
3/30
56
20.6
22.1
Ophir Loop
3/29
46
12.0
Rico
3/29
15
4.6
12.2
6.1
Telluride
3/ 29
25
8.0
13.5
6.5
Trout Lake
3/29
44
14.7
22.6
13.7
San Juan River
unama uivicie 1,0^
3/26
0
0.0
6 . 7
1 . 7
LnamiLa {dj
3/24
26
8 . 2
16.4
7 . 2
bpper San Juan
3/29
98
34 . 2
43.5
28. 6
Wolf Cr. Pass (B)
3/29
96
33. 2
39 .4
25.5
3/29
102
32.0
41.6
28 . 3
GUNNISON BASIN
Gunnison River
Alexander Lake
3/30
58
21. 1
26.5
22.8
Blue Mesa
3/30
28
8.1
11.7
7 . 2
3/31
41
14.0
17.9
Cochetopa Pass CB)
3/29
23
5.0
9.6
5.9
Crested Butte
3/31
43
14.2
18.0
13.0
Keystone
3/31
53
19.5
25.3
20.0
Lake City
3/30
27
7.0
10.7
8.0
Mesa Lakes (B)
3/25
46
15.3
22.5
17.6
McClure Pass
3/30
47
16.9
22.6
15. 1
Park Cone
3/30
40
11.3
12.7
10 .6
Park Reservoir
3/26
74
22.5
30 . 1
23 . 8
Porphyry Creek
3/31
5 1
1 /. i
1^.1
22.6
16.9
Tomichi
J/ Jl
TO.
jy
1U . J
1 ft 1
10. z
1 Z . 0
Surface Creek
Alexander Lake
3/30
58
21.1
26.5
22.8
Mesa Lakes
3/25
46
15.3
22.5
17.6
Park Reservoir
3/26
74
22.5
30.1
23.8
Uncompahgre River
Ironton Park
3 /30
44
14.3
23 . 7
10.2
Red Mountain Pass
3/30
87
32 . 8
41.9
31.5
lellUlLQc V^/
3/29
25
8 . 0
13.5
6 . 5
COLORADO BASIN
Blue River
Blue River
3/31
29
8.0
10.8
8.5
Fremont Pass
3/30
56
16.9
18.2
16.2
Frisco Pass
3/26
26
6.8
10.6
7.4
Grizzly Peak
3/26
51
15.3
22.3
18.9
Hoosier Pass (B)
3/31
42
11.7
17.5
12.9
Shrine Pass
3/30
57
16.7
20.9
18.1
Snake River
3/26
25
7.0
8.7
7.9
Summit Ranch
3/31
24
6.6
8.5
7.1
NOTE: NS - No Survey
(B) - On Adjacent Drainage
I
^ CURRENT INFQR
r o AS t 5ECC = : ^
Date
SNOW
WATER
WATER CCN'ES -
(INCHES)
SNOW COURSE
OF
DEPTH
CONTENT
SURVEY
(INCHES)
(INCHES)
LAST
AVG
YEA *
58-72
Colorado River
3/ 30
46
13.9
16.2
13.2
Berthoud Pass
3/30
48
14.0
15.9
15.9
Berthoud S urnm i r.
3/ 29
55
16 . 1
19.2
19.7
Cooper Hill
4/02
41
11 . 1
14.4
11.3
riUUlcL uUlLiL
4/01
47
13.5
16.6
14.5
Glenmar Rancli
3/30
30
8.8
10.4
8.5
(Zr\ TP Pace
VjnJ Lc r aba
3/31
34
11.5
13.4
10.2
Grand Lalce
3/28
31
8.0
8.8
8.2
Lalte Irene
3/28
59
19 .5
21.6
20.9
Lap land
3/30
28
8.0
11.3
10.4
Lulu
3/31
59
19.4
21.6
18.7
3/31
42
13.8
16.8
12.8
MctCenzie Gulch
3/30
24
6.8
9 . 2
5 . 0
Middle Fork
3/30
31
8.7
10.9
9 . 9
Milne r
3/28
36
11.3
12.6
13.6
North Inlet
3/29
26
7.2
8 . 6
8 . 7
Pan do
3/30
35
9.7
13.1
10 . 3
Phantom Valley
3/28
28
8.3
10 . 3
10.8
Ranch Creek
3/30
36
8.6
9 . 2
9 . 9
Tennessee Pass (B)
3/30
38
10.8
1 n a
1U . 0
Vail Pass
Destr
oyed
18.6
17.3
Vasquez
3/30
43
11.7
12.8
12.9
Roaring Fork
Aspen
3/28
58
18.7
21.4
17.1
Independence Pass
3/26
47
15.0
20.2
17.5
Ivanho e
3/29
62
18.1
21.7
18.1
Kiln
3/29
48
13.7
16.8
Lift
3/28
52
17.0
26.3
17.8
Mrfl nro Pace
3/30
47
16.9
22.6
15.1
Nast
3/29
0/.
Z4
6.5
9.9
5.6
North Lost Trail
3/30
16.3
19 .8
14.6
Williams Fork River
Glenmar Ranch
3/30
30
8 . 8
10.4
8.5
Jones Pass
3/30
50
14.0
16.7
15.5
Middle Fork
3/30
31
8.7
10 . 9
9 . 9
Willow Creek
Granby
.
3/ 30
ZD
7.3
8 . 1
7 . 5
Willow Cr. Pass
3/30
41
12.2
14 . 0
12.7
Plateau Creek
Mesa Lakes
.
3/ 25
46
15.3
22.5
17.6
Park Reservoir
3/26
74
22.5
30 . 1
23.8
Trickle Divide
3/26
80
25.0
30 . 2
25 .9
YAMPA BASIN
Elk River
Elk River
3/25
47
15 .4
21.2
17.8
Hahn's Peak
3/25
40
12 . 7
17.9
13 . 7
White River
Burro Mountain
3/30
56
19.1
21.9
17.2
Rio Blanco
3/29
46
13.9
18.3
15.7
Yampa River
Bear River
3/26
42
11.6
13.7
11.2
Columbine (B)
3/25
58
20.3
29.5
24.0
Crosho
3/26
46
13.4
16.5
Dry Lake
3/29
53
17.0
23.1
20.0
Lynx Pass (B)
3/31
42
13.8
1 fs ft
ID .0
12 8
Rabbit Ears
3/25
59
19.4
30.0
25.9
Tower
3/29
114
40.2
54.5
Yampa View
3/25
41
12 . 6
18.4
14.6
LIST of COOPERATORS
The following organizations cooperate in snow surveys for the Colorado,
Platte, Arkansas and Rio Grande watersheds. Many other organizations
and individuals furnish valuable information for the snow survey reports.
Their cooperation is gratefully acknowledged.
STATE
Colorado State Engineer
New Mexico State Engineer
Nebraska State Engineer
Colorado State University Experiment Station
Rocky Mountain Forest and Range Experiment Station
FEDERAL
Department of Agriculture
Forest Service
Soil Conservation Service
Department of Interior
Bureau of Reclamation
Geological Survey
National Park Service
Indian Service
Department of Commerce
NOAA, National Weather Service
Defence Department
Army Engineer Corps
Atomic Energy Commission
INVESTOR OWNED UTILITIES
Colorado Public Service Company
Public Service Company of New Mexico
MUNICIPALITIES
City of Denver City of Greeley
City of Boulder City of Fort Collins
WATER USERS ORGANIZATIONS
Arkansas Valley Ditch Association
Colorado River Water Conservation District
IRRIGATION PROJECTS
Farmers Reservoir and Irrigation Company
San Luis Valley Irrigation District
Santa Maria Reservoir Company
Costilla Land Company
Uncompahgre Valley Water Users' Association
Twin Lakes Reservoir and Canai Company
Trinchera Irrigation Co.
GO
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