Water Storage & Deliveryin Colorado

Cat Shrier, Ph.D.

Golder Associates Inc.2005 Colorado Water Workshop

Gunnison Colorado

July 28, 2005

More than 50 inches/year

Fewer than 7 inches/year

Varies bylocation

2

1

6

4

5

37

Arkansas

South Platte

Yampa - White

Colorado Mainstem

Gunnison -Uncompahgre

San Miguel -Dolores - San Juan

Rio Grande

Winter

Summer-Fall Summer

Spring-Summer

Winter

Figure: Sources of Atmospheric Moisture in Colorado

Varies by Time of Year

80% of our annual precipitation arrives on 20% of the days with any rain, hail, or snow

WE RELY ON A FEW BIG STORMS

SWSI has identified unmet water demands:

630,000 AF by 2030

Big Buckets Little Buckets

On Channel Off Channel

Aboveground Underground

3500 ft

4000 ft

7000 ft

CO AWRA Rueter Hess TourMonday August 22

11 am – 3 pm$15 includes lunch

Visit construction site, archaeological dig, habitat, and hang out with Frank Jaeger