Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) SNOTEL stations would likely improve local water supply forecasts (see Figure 2 for an example SNOTEL reading). These suggestions were submitted to the NRCS Snow Survey. Several additional sites have since been deployed. Many other constructive suggestions were made, including improvements in tracking snow sublimation, more thorough observation of midelevation snow accumulation, and better gauging of smaller streams that may give a more accurate depiction of native flows. Figure 1. Streamflow on the Colorado River near the Colorado-Utah state line, showing the high variability and sensitivity of water supplies—this compares a very high peak flow in 2011 after a winter with extremely high snowpack followed by 2012, a year with very low peak flow after a winter with extremely low snowpack.
reduce the impacts of drought. Most stakeholders already accessed various types of climate and water resources data sources to provide early indications of future drought, but nearly all stakeholders thought there was considerable room for improvement, such as more timely and personalized information specific to their areas (smaller watersheds) with emphasis on snowpack, streamflow, reservoir levels, and future climate projections. Nearly all stakeholders were familiar with the U.S. Drought Monitor (USDM) as an up-to-date source of national drought information, but few found it to be a credible depiction or projection for their local conditions. A common theme was the desire for “One stop shopping” where there could be a single source for the bulk of the drought information.
snow sublimation. He should have results by early 2013.
Sublimation losses from snowpack, especially during years with dry, warm springs, have been an area of concern since 2002. Thanks to NIDIS funding, a graduate student at Colorado State University is currently conducting a modeling study of interannual and spatial variability in
Monitoring Gaps
Stakeholders who utilize or manage water from large reservoirs in the basin were particularly concerned about long-range forecasts. They were confident about their ability to manage a one-year drought, but very uncertain about drought management for droughts lasting three years or longer. Help anticipating long-term drought is greatly needed. Reservoir managers also appealed for more information regarding improved forecasts of peak flows during high runoff periods. How peak flows are managed within the various reservoir systems has considerable bearing on the amount of water that can be stored and retained for later use during dry years.
Each group interviewed was asked what data and information was missing or inadequate to address their needs. These findings were reported in our article in the April/ May 2011 issue of Colorado Water. Many groups had specific suggestions on locations where new Natural
Colorado WaTer — noveMBer/deCeMBer 2012
In 2009, few stakeholders were utilizing remote sensing for snow monitoring and hydrologic prediction, but considerable progress in that area has subsequently been made. The Snow Data Assimilation System (SNODAS) integrates ground observations with remote sensing and is growing in skill and popularity for assessing snowpack and projecting water supplies.
U.S. Drought Portal The request for “one stop shopping” is gradually being achieved through the U.S. Drought Portal (http://www.drought.gov).
Colorado Basin River Forecast Center (CBRFC) Stakeholder Engagement Since our field interviews with stakeholders in 2009, the CBRFC in Salt Lake City has made great strides in improving stakeholder engagement and meeting specific stakeholder needs. Webinars are held each month throughout the snow accumulation season, providing sub-basin specific streamflow forecasts and uncertainty estimates. Information is much more accessible to users than in the past. Peak flow project updates are also provided. The CBRFC also holds an annual stakeholder meeting to
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