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This year’s presentation to focus on low stream flows and reservoir operations in the face of a potential drought
The Blue River below Dillon Dam, July, 2011. BOB BERWYN PHOTO.
Peak flows! BOB BERWYN PHOTO.
By Bob Berwyn
SUMMIT COUNTY — What a difference a year makes.
In early May 2011, Colorado water managers were sounding the alarm about possible flooding as they eyed one of the biggest snowpacks on record. Just 12 months later, some water providers are implementing conservation measures as the state faces drought conditions.
This year’s record-low snowpack and unprecedented early runoff in the Colorado River Basin will present water users with challenges, as ranchers in the Lower Blue grapple with irrigation and municipal water providers try figure out how to keep their reservoirs as full as possible while still meeting demand.
It won’ be easy, considering that much of the Colorado River Basin has already been designated as being in a severe drought by the National Integrated Drought Information System.
Some of the key players in managing stream flows and reservoirs in the Blue River Basin will try answer those questions May 8 at the annual state of the river meeting in Frisco (6:30-8:30 p.m. at the Summit County Community and Senior Center). he event is sponsored by the Colorado River District and the Blue River Watershed Group. (more…)
Filed under: climate and weather, Colorado, Drought, Environment, La Niña, rivers, Snow and weather, Summit County snow and weather, water | Tagged: Blue River, Colorado, Colorado River Basin, Colorado River district, drought, State of the River Summit County, water | Leave a Comment »
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