Ashley Garrison

The meeting provided a recap of the 2022 water year, highlighting that it was a drier and warmer than normal year across the state. The task force discussed current conditions for the 2023 water year, including precipitation patterns, temperature trends, and the transition into the cold season. Key topics included the regional context of the current drought, significant climate events such as heat waves and wind events, the impacts of La Niña, and an analysis of soil moisture, vegetative health, and agricultural outcomes like winter wheat yields.

The meeting provided a detailed review of current water year conditions and snowpack levels across various Colorado basins. Presentations included analysis of snow water equivalent (SWE) percentages, comparisons to historical records, and current river flow conditions. The discussion covered projections for potential flooding based on snowmelt rates, temperature forecasts, and climate outlooks. Participants reviewed tools for monitoring real-time river data, streamflow modeling, and water supply forecasts to manage anticipated runoff.

The meeting included an overview of agricultural drought conditions, including the designation of 23 Colorado counties as natural disaster areas and available emergency loan assistance. The Task Force reviewed the agricultural emergency drought response program, grant guidelines for emergency water augmentation, and upcoming webinars regarding agricultural disaster recovery. Additionally, a climate update was provided detailing water year precipitation and temperature trends across the state, noting persistent cold conditions in northwestern Colorado and high mountain snowpack levels, contrasted with dry conditions on the Eastern Plains.

The committee meeting focused on water planning and management, specifically addressing 'No and Low Regrets' (NLR) storage initiatives. Key discussions involved refining NLR statements and strategies related to the rehabilitation of aging storage infrastructure and identifying multi-benefit opportunities for storage and infrastructure needs. Updates were provided on ongoing Colorado River and interstate water issues, including the post-2026 operational guidelines process and U.S. Supreme Court litigation. Additionally, the committee reviewed the upcoming schedule for NLR discussions, including topics like water efficiency, conservation, land use, and protecting agriculture.

The meeting focused on establishing a quorum and outlining the agenda for the day, which included Colorado Water Conservation Board updates, administrative matters, and a significant discussion on drought conditions. The primary agenda item was a facilitated conversation regarding 'no and low regrets' strategies for water storage. The committee also touched upon the importance of interstate issues, regulatory uncertainty, and the need for statewide, resilient water planning. Additionally, there was a briefing on the upcoming Fall Forum scheduled for October.