Proximity

Colorado relies on a series of reservoirs for its water needs. An accurate measure of rainfall is essential for predicting possible shortages.

To make these estimations on a cost effective basis, the Colorado State Water Agency sets up water gauges at various locations and estimates the total state rainfall. The activities in this issue's Pull- Out section explore the question "How should a state, such as Colorado, use its existing rain gauges to estimate rainfall for the entire state, or to estimate the rainfall at a location that does not have a gauge?"