Hello, Ma?

2020 is in the rearview, but you wouldn't know it by the weather. We have had a number of small snow events roll into the Front Range, but clearly we have not had anything worth contributing in a large way to the snow pack. If you are a skier you know that the Mountains are not off to a great start to winter.

 

I've been saying, "It is still early" for three months, but as we ease in February, I'm afraid it is time to get moving Mother Nature. We are due. 78% snowpack is going to lead to another tough summer when it comes to water availability for irrigation. 

The good news is that Harriman Reservoir which is our main source for storage water is full. Soda Lakes remains very low and will take some time to fill as it is the lowest priority on Bear Creek to fill. If the snow pack remains low, Soda may never fill in 2021.

The Denver Water staff has been committed to keeping the ditch on all winter to assist with filling the reservoirs. They have been doing a great job pulling as much water as they can to fill reservoirs. This has not been a normal practice in my years here in Denver. This has been a great addition for relief come next summer, but Bear Creek has still been struggling with producing much for almost 8 months now. 

Bear Creek and our stream flows from the Warrior Ditch account for 2/3rds of our irrigation water supply annually. 

Come on, Ma Nature. Please shift those winds in our favor.