IRRIGATION SEASON ALONG THE RIO GRANDE TECHNICALLY WON’T END FOR ANOTHER COUPLE OF MONTHS. THE PROBLEM IS, STORED WATER HAS JUST ABOUT RUN OUT. HYDROLOGIST DAVID GENSLER WITH THE MIDDLE RIO GRANDE CONSERVANCY DISTRICT SAYS EL VADO RESERVOIR IN NORTHERN NEW MEXICO WILL PROBABLY GO DRY BY FRIDAY. BUT HE SAYS IT’S NOT THE END OF THE IRRIGATION SEASON. GENSLER SAYS IT JUST MEANS FARMERS WILL HAVE TO RELY ON WHAT THE RIO GRANDE PROVIDES.
GENSLER SAYS IT TAKES MORE THAN SUMMER THUNDERSTORMS TO FILL RESERVOIRS. FOR THAT, YOU NEED A HEALTHY SNOW PACK OVER THE WINTER.
