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Mon February 8, 2010
A Mixed Picture On Snowpack
By KRWG News
New Mexico – The latest federal estimate for snowpack in New Mexico's mountains show above-average accumulations for this time of year.
But below average snowpack in the southern Colorado mountains that also feed the Rio Grande, Pecos and Canadian river basins means only average runoff is expected.
The latest estimates were released late last week by the Natural Resources Conservation Service. Hydrologic technician Wayne Sleep says good snowpack should mean that spring runoff into the state's rivers and reservoirs will be good, if a few things don't happen between now and April.
The factors that could cut into the runoff include warmer weather, spring rains or wind that could melt snow too quickly, or a drop in the numbers of storms bringing snow to the region.
Sleep says if the storms keep tracking into the state there is a potential for a great runoff year.
Information from: The Santa Fe New Mexican, http://www.sfnewmexican.com
Copyright 2010 The Associated Press.