The overall snowpack in the Upper Colorado was 85% of average on January 1. One month later, the snowpack was 120% of average and continued above average throughout the rest of the accumulation season peaking at 130% of normal on May 1. During the early spring, streamflow remained at or above average. In the early part of the runoff period, streamflow was approximately 125% and 190% of average during April and May, respectively.
Forecasts in January called for below average flows; however, as the snowpack continued to increase, forecasts continued to rise. With an existing snowpack of 130% of average and the previous month's streamflow at 125% of average one month into the runoff season, forecasts were highest in May. Observed spring runoff was generally less than forecasted with some flows below the reasonable minimum forecasts. Hot temperatures and dry conditions after May 1 contributed to the overestimation. Due to higher temperatures, peak flows occurred approximately one month earlier this year compared to last year. With hot, dry weather, water consumption increases affecting instream flows, particularly downstream of major irrigation areas.