Note: This publication is currently undergoing major revisions. The current publication will be replaced with a new publication based on stakeholder requirements and scientific advances. We expect to begin sharing details on this soon. If you have input on content, format, or publication frequency at any time, please contact us at cbrfc.webmasters@noaa.gov.Green Water Supply Outlook, April 1, 2011
The following conditions influenced this month's forecasts:
Precipitation:
Seasonal October through March precipitation was 125 percent of average
in the Upper Green basin. March precipitation was 105 percent of average in
the basin as a whole; however, portions of the basin received much above average precipitation
such as the headwaters of the mainstem of the Green River which received near 150 percent of average.
Snow:
April 1st snow water equivalent was 120 percent of average in the basin.
--- Upper Green basin snow
water equivalent plot.
Streamflow:
March streamflow was near 80 percent of average.
Soil Moisture:
Modeled soil
moisture states were below average heading into the winter.
Climate Forecasts:
Climate forecasts were not a factor because there is not a strong correlation
between La Nina conditions and winter precipitation in the Upper Green basin.
Forecast Summary:
With the addition of another month of near average precipitation and localized areas
with much above average precipitation, the seasonal precipitation and snow water
equivalent still remain above average for the Upper Green. As a result of the
current conditions, the April through July streamflow volume forecasts increased
by approximately 5 to 10 percent from the March 1 forecasts. Current forecasts
range between 100 and 140 percent of average with a median value of 114 percent.
The following conditions influenced this month's forecasts:
Precipitation:
Seasonal October through March precipitation was 130 percent of average
in the Yampa/White basin. March precipitation was 120 percent of average in
the basin as a whole.
Snow:
April 1st snow water equivalent was 130 percent of average in the basin.
--- Yampa basin snow
water equivalent plot.
Streamflow:
March streamflow was near 100 percent of average.
Soil Moisture:
Modeled soil
moisture states were near average heading into the winter for the Yampa, Little Snake,and
White River basins.
Climate Forecasts:
Climate forecasts were not a factor in the forecasts because there is not a strong correlation
between La Nina conditions and winter precipitation in the Yampa/White basin.
Forecast Summary:
With the addition of above average precipitation in March,
the seasonal precipitation and current snow water equivalent remain
much above average. It is also important to note that many of the snotel locations
have record or near record snow water equivlent for this time of the year.
As a result of the current conditions, the April through July streamflow volume
forecasts have increased by approximately 10 to 20 percent. Current forecasts
range between 128 and 162 percent of average with a median value of 151 percent.
Many of these forecast volumes are in the top five historical observed volumes.
The following conditions influenced this month's forecasts:
Precipitation:
Seasonal October through March precipitation was 155 percent of average
in the Duchesne basin. March precipitation was 85 percent of average the basin
as a whole; however, portions of the basin received much below average precipitation
such as the headwaters of Ashley Creek, Big Brush, and Whiterocks.
Snow:
April 1st snow water equivalent was 145 percent of average in the basin.
--- Duchesne basin snow
water equivalent plot.
Streamflow:
March streamflow was 90 percent of average.
Soil Moisture:
Modeled soil
moisture states were much below average to below average heading into the winter.
Climate Forecasts:
Climate forecasts were not a factor in the forecasts because there is not a strong correlation
between La Nina conditions and winter precipitation in the Duchesne basin.
Forecast Summary:
Seasonal precipitation and current snow water equivalent still remain much
above average in spite of the below average March precipitation. As a result of the
current conditions, the majority of the April through July streamflow volume forecasts
did not change from March. However, forecasts for the Duchesne, Strawberry, and Rock Creek
rivers have increased by approximately 5 to 10 percent while forecasts for Ashley Creek, Big Brush, and
Whiterocks have decreased by approximately 5 to 10 percent as a result of the much below average
March precipitation. Current forecasts range between 106 and 193 percent of
average with a median value of 153 percent. Many of these forecast volumes are
in the top five historical observed volumes.
The following conditions influenced this month's forecasts:
Precipitation:
Seasonal October through March precipitation was 160 percent of average
in the Lower Green basin. March precipitation was 90 percent of average.
Snow:
April 1st snow water equivalent was 120 percent of average in the basin
as a whole.
--- Lower Green basin snow
water equivalent plot.
Streamflow:
March streamflow was near 80 percent of average.
Soil Moisture:
Modeled soil
moisture states were much below to near average heading into the winter.
Climate Forecasts:
Climate forecasts were not a factor in the forecasts because there is not a strong correlation
between La Nina conditions and winter precipitation in the Lower Green basin.
Forecast Summary:
With the addition of near average precipitation in March,
the seasonal precipitation and current snow water equivalent remain much
above average and above average, respectively. As a result of the current
conditions, the April through July streamflow volume forecasts are similar
to the March forecasts with the exception of Green River at Green River, UT
which increase by 11 percent. Current forecasts range between 121 and 151 percent
of average with a median value of 141 percent.
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).