lmashburn

Spring of '08 is shaping up to be the BIGGEST in 10 years! The snowpack throughout the state of Colorado is well above average. Recent snowfall has increased the snow depth considerably. Colorado had one of its drier starts to the season with a warm and dry  November (2007). It was not until December when the storms started producing water rich snow. Each month thus far has produced above average percentages. The Colorado River Basin presently is at 120% which includes the Eagle River as well as the Colorado River. The Arkansas River Basin is at 145% while Monarch Ski Area reports a 101 inch base. Historically looking one could only hope for a great year. According to the NCRS (Natural Resource Conservation Service)Colorado has been over 100% over the last few months. When compared with 2002 (Drought Year) the State was at a mere 50-65% of average for the entire season. The States best year was the summer of '95 when we experienced an abnormally wet Spring with snow extending into June. The snowpack for the Arkansas was at 303% (1968 was the last time to reach over 300%) for the month of June bring the biggest runoff in Rafting history with a peak of 7,200cfs compared to an average 3,000cfs. Outfitters are expecting not to have to rely on reservoir augmentation (release) to maintain adequate river levels. Forecasts show for continual snowfall throughout the state which should only pad what has already fallen. Outfitters are hoping that we do not have a repeat of last year where the temperatures warmed up early and the rivers began peaking in early May.