F
LOOD POTENTIAL IN THE UPPER COLORADO RIVER BASINThe following are generalized discussions of the flood potential due to snowmelt in the Upper Colorado River drainage as of May 1, 1999. Discussions are segregated by state. It is important to understand that the potential for flooding may increase dramatically if snowmelt accelerates rapidly due to above normal temperatures or if significant rain events occur.
COLORADO:
Precipitation during April was approximately 200% of average for many areas of western Colorado. The snowpack changed from below normal one month ago to near normal as of May 1, and the potential for flooding has increased. At this time no forecast points are expected to exceed flood stage due to snowmelt; however, flows on the Yampa are projected to reach or exceed bankfull in several areas.WYOMING:
A wet cool April increased the snowpack and delayed melt. Therefore, the snowmelt flood potential has increased. High water is likely with bankfull flows on some streams possible. At the current time no forecast points are expected to exceed flood stage due solely to snowmelt.UTAH:
. A wet cool April increased the snowpack and delayed melt. Therefore, the snowmelt flood potential has increased. High water is likely during the melt with out of bank flow probable on the Green River near Jensen and bankfull flows possible on other streams draining the Uintas. At the current time no forecast points are expected to exceed flood stage due solely to snowmelt.NEW MEXICO:
The snowmelt flood potential over the New Mexico portion of the basin, at this time, is below normal. Snowpack for locations upstream of the Four Corners area is near average. Volume forecasts for southwest Colorado streams draining into New Mexico are below average. No forecast points are projected to exceed flood stage due solely to snowmelt during the spring and summer season of 1999.