Snowpack Approaches Normal, Kindergarten Registration

Snowpack depth are near normal across Colorado, but reservoir storage in southwest Colorado is 36% below normal for this time of year, with McPhee reservoirs active capacity at only 8%. You're watching the Local News Roundup, brought to you by Keesee Motors and Fastsigns. I'm Wendy Graham Settle. The snowpack in the San Miguel, Dolores, Animas and San Juan river Snotel network is at 96% of normal as of March 1st, according to the natural resources conservation service. However, reservoir storage in the same area is at only 64% of normal. McPhee reservoir is at 8% of maximum active capacity right now. Normal is the median snowpack based on data collected from Snotel sites between 1991 and 2020. The amount of snow and the water it holds is far better than the same time last year when snowpack was at 70% of normal. Hydrologists for the Colorado Snow Survey still expect lower runoff flows this spring because of several years of low summer precipitation, high summer temperatures, and dry soils. They also noted that existing historic low storage levels in lakes Meade and Powell could affect southwest Colorado water resources and decisions for much of the Colorado River basin. To see a detailed list of Snotel data, visit nrcs.usda.gov, and search for Snotel. If you have a child who will be five years old by August 31, 2022, you're eligible to enroll your child in kindergarten for the fall semester. The Montezuma-Cortez School District will host an early kindergarten registration night from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, March 17, at the Beech Street Preschool. Elementary principals and transportation staff will be available to answer questions. A light meal will be provided and each preschool classroom will offer fun activities for families. Contact Andrea Martinez, the Beech Street Preschool director, at Andrea.martinez@cortez.k12.co.us. Southwest Colorado Concerts will host a performance of the award-winning Pikes Peak Brass Band starting at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 2nd, in the Montezuma-Cortez High School auditorium. The 33-member ensemble from Colorado Springs performs selections in the tradition of British brass bands. Its members hail from such performance groups as the Salvation Army Brass Band, The United States Marine Band, The D.C. Navy Band, The Naval Academy Band and The United States Airforce Academy Band. Tickets are $25 apiece. To learn more about the Southwest Colorado Concerts Organization or to purchase ticket, visit swcoloradoconcerts.org. Thanks for watching this edition of the Local News Roundup. I'm Wendy Graham Settle.

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