2018 Year in Review – March

March Drought Map, 2018

March

Extreme Drought expands into Southern Colorado

A weather pattern change early in February brought some much needed precipitation to portions of Southern Colorado, especially the Southwest Mountains. This precipitation, however, did little to change the substantial precipitation deficits that have been accumulated throughout the 2018 Water Year across South Central and Southeast Colorado.

With that said, the latest US Drought Monitor, issued Thursday, March 15th, 2018, has expanded extreme drought (D3) conditions into Southeast Colorado, including most of Baca and Prowers Counties, southeastern Bent County and extreme southeastern Las Animas County. Extreme drought (D3) conditions also remain depicted across Southwest Colorado into extreme southwestern Conejos County.

Municipal Elections: Granada – Holly

Voters in Granada and Holly will cast ballots for mayor and trustees in the April 3rd municipal election for both communities.

Granada Mayor Glenn Otto is the only name on the ballot for that position. There are six candidates for four Trustee seats and voters may cast their ballots for just four names.  All are for four year terms:  Andria Riddle, Traegon Edward Marquez, Pete Hernandez, Carrie Esquibel, Mary Ellen Shafer and Argie Thrall.

The Mayor’s race in Holly will be between incumbent Tony Garcia and challenger Derrell Bailey. There are five candidates for three seats:  Anthony Moldenhauer, Justin Willhite, Aaron Leiker, Jacob Holdren and Jarid Gulley.
By Russ Baldwin

John Martin Dam Water Elevation at 316,600 a/f

High Water Levels at John Martin Dam

Another season of boating, camping and fishing will soon be underway at John Martin Reservoir. Anyone visiting the site will immediately notice the high level of water in the Reservoir, now averaging approximately 316,100 acre feet.  This same time last year, the water content was averaging around 130,000 acre feet. The information is provided by U.S. Geological Survey in cooperation with U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.

The water levels has seen consistent growth over time with only 22,310 acre feet registered in 2015, but in that year, a steady increase was noted: Information provided on the website shows there was 38,600 a/f in March of 2015 with 46,230 in May of that year.  Additional levels increased steading through that month to the point there was 154,400 a/f by the end of May, 2015.  The Reservoir had 268,900 a/f at the beginning of 2018.

Due to rising water levels, the East Boat Ramp is currently closed, however the West Boat Ramp has been open to the public as of Thursday, March 15th for the season. All boats must be inspected prior to launching.

Presentation to Hixson Farms

Hixson Farms Receives Prowers County Conservation Award

The Prowers County Conservation District held their annual meeting Wednesday, March 7th at the Elks Lodge in Lamar. Conservation Poster winners were announced and the posters were on display.  The theme this year was “The Soil is Alive”.

The Prowers County Conservationist of the Year Award was presented to Hixson Farms for their work in controlling land erosion from winds. The award was presented by Steve Shelton and he commented on the fact that all the conservation work that was done by the Hixson’s was without government money.