Upper Colorado Mainstem
UPPER COLORADO - Unregulated volume flows at many points in the upper
Colorado were approximately 90% of average during the 1999 April
through July period. This includes flows on the Williams Fork,
Roaring Fork, and Colorado at Cameo. In contrast, flows were about
130% and 110% of average at Dillon and Green Mountain on the Blue
River, and, further downstream, the flow at Colorado near Cisco
was just below 80% of average.
As of April 1, all forecasts were markedly low. March precipitation
was about 40% of average resulting in an April 1 snowpack of 75% of
average. However, precipitation during April was nearly 200% of
average. The May 1 forecasts were raised from the previous month
and were more in line with the final observed flows.
