Radar Monitoring and Hydrologic Modeling in the Upper Rio Grande Basin

Category: Other
Organization: Conejos Water Conservancy District
Date Approved: September 2013
Basin Funds: $37,000
State Funds: $200,000

Water managers must rely on the accuracy of precipitation forecasts by the Division of Water Resources as the basis for their decisions on the storage, release, and beneficial use of water, but these forecasts are often inaccurate due to a lack of data. This project installed temporary radar units to improve snowmelt forecasting, collecting and integrating data and evaluating modeling methods used for water supply forecasting. Ultimately, this project proved the need for a permanent radar system.