Drought news: The Upper Colorado River snowpack is at 26% of the thirty year average

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Click on the thumbnail graphics for the current statewide snowpack map and the Basin High/Low graph for the Colorado River Basin from the Natural Resources Conservation Service.

Here’s a report from Janice Kurbjin writing for the Summit Daily News. She wades into the question of the potential for a Colorado River Compact Call in a drought year. The chances are pretty slim with all the water in Lake Powell. In addition the Bureau of Reclamation sent extra water to Lake Mead last year when the river was roaring. From the article:

It’s the agreements that will be key, what with storage well below the comfort level, population growth and climate data indicating a poor trend, said John McClow of the Upper Gunnison River Water Conservancy District. A 2007 landmark agreement to share adversity came after more than two years of work. In short, it says, “we can manage this river in a shortage situation,” McClow said.

Colorado Foundation for Water Education’s President’s Award Reception recap: Lewis Entz and Diane Hoppe were honored

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From the Monte Vista Journal:

The ceremonies were part of the CFWE’s 10th anniversary celebration, and Entz was honored as one of the founders, along with State Rep. Diane Hoppe…

Ten years ago, at the onset of the 2002 drought, then-Sen. Entz co-sponsored legislation that established a non-profit statewide water education program for the purpose of promoting a “better understanding of water issues through educational opportunities and resources so Colorado citizens will understand water as a limited resource and will make informed decisions.”[…]

At various times, he chaired the House Agriculture, Livestock and Natural Resources Committee and the Senate Agriculture, Natural Resources and Energy Committee.

Weather news: Six tornadoes touch down in Prowers, Kiowa and Bent counties

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The Pueblo Chieftain (Ryan Severance) is running a report including a photo essay from the areas hit by the tornados. Click through and read the whole thing and check out the photos. Here’s an excerpt from the article:

Six tornadoes touched down overnight in Prowers, Kiowa and Bent counties, destroying homes and knocking out power across Southeastern Colorado. At 2:30 a.m. Friday, a tornado touched down eight miles south of Lamar. The twister destroyed at least five homes and took out a power substation, plunging the town into darkness. Two people suffered minor injuries.