February was yet another month of above average precipitation across the Upper Colorado Basin. This increased the snow water equivalent 5% to 10% from February 1st to March 1st in the Dolores, Gunnison, and Upper Colorado mainstem basins. As a result, median forecasts in each basin rose 10% for the April through July runoff period.

The percent of snow water equivalent in the Upper Colorado mainstem basin increased 10% from February 1st to March 1st due to yet another month of much above average precipitation. February precipitation was 150% of average, which brought the seasonal total to 135% and snow water equivalent to 130% of average. The snow remains highest in the Roaring Fork basin with over 150% of average. Model soil moisture is near to just below average at this time and streamflow was near average during February. Due to the increases in snow water equivalent all forecasts increased from last month. The April through July streamflow forecasts now range between 100% and 140% of average.

In February, the Gunnison Basin once again received above average monthly precipitation at 165% of average. All SNOTEL gages in the basin, except Mesa Lakes and Park Reservoir, are now above their average seasonal maximum snowpack accumulation. The snowpack accumulation season on average continues into the beginning of April. In addition, the current percent of average snow water equivalent in the basin increased by 10% since February 1st. Streamflow for February remained slightly above average at 110%. Modeled soil moisture conditions in the Gunnison basin are slightly below average, except in the headwater areas of the Uncompaghre were modeled soil moisture is slightly above average. With another month of above average precipitation, the April through July volume forecasts have increased slightly or stayed the same as last month. Volume forecasts now range from 135% of average at Taylor Park Reservoir to 162% of average at Paonia Reservoir.

Monthly precipitation was once again above average in the Dolores Basin at 155% of average. The current March 1st percent of average snow water equivalent in the basin increased by 5% since February 1st. Also, all the SNOTEL gages located in the headwater area of the Dolores Basin are now over 110% of average seasonal maximum snowpack accumulation. The snowpack accumulation season on average continues into the beginning of April. Streamflow in the Dolores Basin for February was just above average at 105%. Modeled soil moisture conditions are around average for the Dolores Basin. With the above average precipitation in February, the April through July volume forecasts in the Dolores Basin have been increased. The forecast at McPhee Reservoir is now at 500 kaf, this is 156% of average. The highest April through July runoff volume on record at McPhee reservoir is 524 kaf.

Differences between the full period forecasts and the residual forecasts may not exactly equal the actual observed volumes due to rounding conventions (see Definitions section).

10% exceedance forecast: Given the current hydrometeorological conditions, i.e current snowpack, soil moisture and streamflow, the volume that has a 10% chance of being exceeded. Previously referred to as "Reasonable Maximum Forecast".

50% exceedance forecast: Given the current hydrometeorological conditions, i.e current snowpack, soil moisture and streamflow, the volume that has a 50% chance of being exceeded. Previously referred to as "Most Probable Forecast".

90% exceedance forecast: Given the current hydrometeorological conditions, i.e current snowpack, soil moisture and streamflow, the volume that has a 90% chance of being exceeded. Previously referred to as "Reasonable Minimum Forecast".

Acre-Foot (af): The volume equal to one acre covered one foot deep (43,560 cubic feet). See kaf below.

Average: The arithmetic mean. The sum of the values divided by the number of values. Values from 1971-2000 are used for this publication.

Categories: Much Above Average=Greater than 130%, Above Average=111-130%, Near Average=90-110%, Below Average=70-89%, Much Below Average=Less than 70%.

CBRFC: Colorado Basin River Forecast Center.

Forecast Period: The period from April 1 through July 31, unless otherwise noted.

kaf: Thousand Acre-Feet. See Acre-Foot above.

Inflow: The volume of water that flows into a reservoir or lake.

Median: The middle value of an ordered set of values. Half of the values are higher and half of the values are lower. When the set contains an even number of values the median is the average of the two middle numbers.

NOAA: National Oceanic and Atomospheric Administration.

NWS: National Weather Service.

Water supply forecasts take into consideration present hydrometeorological conditions and use average basin temperatures and precipitation for the forecast period. As the forecast season progresses, a greater portion of the future hydrologic and climatic uncertainty becomes known and monthly forecasts become more accurate. For more information on the tools we use, consult Water Supply Forecasting Tools.

Volume forecasts represent adjusted flows; that is, observed flows with upstream water use taken into account. Adjusted flows will closely approximate natural or unimpaired flows. However, not all upstream diversions or impoundments are measured or quantifiable. For specific adjustments used with each forecast point, consult the Guide to Water Supply Forecasting.

The Water Supply Outlook is issued monthly January through May by the Colorado Basin River Forecast Center. It represents a coordinated effort between the National Weather Service, Natural Resources Conservation Service, Bureau of Reclamation, U.S. Geological Survey and local water district managers.

Note: Data used in this report are provisional and are subject to revision.

For more information, or to be included on the mailing list, please contact:

Colorado Basin River Forecast Center
2242 W North Temple
Salt Lake City, UT 84116
(801) 524-5130
www.cbrfc.noaa.gov