How wet was this winter and how did it affect the water supply here in the Phoenix valley? The answer is… historically wet! The Salt River Project (SRP) supplies electricity for the East Valley through a series of dams on the Salt River system. I am sharing some slides from their spring Board of Directors presentation. Monsoon season (June through September) usually produces the majority of the annual rainfall in Arizona. So, the rest of the year, October through May (known as the Water Year) is of most interest to SRP because the dam reservoirs need to be adequately full to produce enough power for the valley. These reservoirs are filled by moisture (snowfall and rain) in the mountains well east of Phoenix. These first two slides show just how wet this water year was.
This slide shows the stream flow forecast for 2023 and how it compares to last year, as well as the median streamflow over the past 30 years (380% of the median).
The following slide shows the current capacity status of the SRP reservoir system. Next, compare that with the current reservoir status of the Colorado River basin system.
The Colorado River basin snowpack is significantly above average (163%) for 2023, which is good for the system, but they will need multiple years of above average snowpack and precipitation to have a significant effect on the Lake Powell and Lake Mead Reservoir levels.
Fortunately, AZ only gets about 36% of its water from Lake Mead and uses only a small portion of that, stockpiling the rest in underground aquifers (a practice started in 1996). The same is happening with a lot of the current run-off from the Salt River.
Wet winters may mess up a few days of golf here in the valley, but it is the year-round moisture in those mountains to our east that feeds our power and water systems.
The Kolb Team
Vendor of the Month
Do you need a blind, shutter, or shade repaired? Are you looking for beautiful blinds for your home or office? Are you on a budget? Do you need help determining what will work best in your space? Do you want motorized blinds that can connect to your home automation system? We can help you! Call us at 602-321-1199 or contact us through our website.
REIT – Real Estate Investment Trust
A real estate investment trust (“REIT”) is a company that owns, operates, or finances income-producing real estate. REITs provide an investment opportunity, like a mutual fund.
This makes it possible for everyday Americans – not just Wall Street, banks, and hedge funds – to benefit from valuable real estate, presents the opportunity to access dividend-based income and total returns, and helps communities grow, thrive, and revitalize.
REITs allow anyone to invest in portfolios of real estate assets the same way they invest in other industries – through the purchase of individual company stock or through a mutual fund or exchange traded fund (ETF). The stockholders of a REIT earn a share of the income produced without actually having to shop for, buy, manage, or finance property. Approximately 150 million Americans live in households invested in REITs through their 401(k), IRAs, pension plans, and other investment funds.
Nobody Knows About Sun Lakes More Than We Do!
Pet of the Month
Meet this month’s Pet of the Month
Congratulations Stella for being our May Pet of the Month! Tell your mom to watch her inbox for your Chewy gift card.
If you would like your pet to be featured in our Pet of The Month and win a Chewy gift card for your sweet family member, send a picture to info@thekolbteam.com and tell us why your furbaby makes you happy. We look forward to seeing all of your awesome pet pics!
Meatballs & Tomato Soup Sauce
Meatballs Ingredients:
- 1½ lb ground beef
- 1 c minute rice
- 1 small onion, minced
- ½ c cracker crumbs
- 1 egg
- ½ tsp salt
- pepper to taste
Tomato Soup Sauce Ingredients:
- 1 can tomato soup
- ½ can water
- ¼ c ketchup
Directions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- Mix the meatball ingredients until combined (but don’t overmix) and form in to 2½ inch balls.
- Place meatballs in baking dish.
- Stir or whisk tomato soup sauce ingredients together and pour over meatballs.
- Bake in preheated oven for 30 minutes, then turn baking dish for even cooking, and continue baking for another 30 minutes.
Kitt Peak Brings the Cosmos to You!
Last month we shared some fun facts about our beloved Arizona. This month we introduce you to Kitt Peak National Observatory (KPNO), home of the largest solar telescope on the planet.
According to the organization’s website:
“Three of the nearly two dozen active telescopes on Kitt Peak are dedicated solely to public viewing in our world-renowned nightly stargazing programs.
The mission of the visitor center is to inspire a sense of wonder and awe about the Universe through exhibits, daytime tours, and nighttime public programs. Our goal is to inform and educate the public daily about basic astronomy, its current research themes, and the nature of the scientific process.”
Located in Sells, about 55 miles southwest of Tucson on the Tohono O’odham Nation, the observatory was founded in 1958. In addition to having the world’s biggest solar telescope, it also houses an impressive collection of optical and radio telescopes – one of the largest assortments on Earth. Unfortunately, the June 2022 Contreras Fire caused extensive damage to AZ State Route 386, and Kitt Peak is currently closed… however, we are hopeful that by the fall, it will be open again, and you can plan to visit now. Just check out some of these photos from KPNO’s website – This is definitely a bucket list must-visit experience!
See What Our Clients Are Saying!
“The Kolb Team are the masters of what real estate agents should be!”
Greg and Chris
Denver, CO
Searching for That Perfect Home?
When looking at pictures online, it can be tricky to figure out the layout of a home. We can help you with that! On our website, you can access the most popular floor plans in Sun Lakes, AZ. Just click the button below!
Buyers of the Month
We have buyers who are ready, willing, and able to purchase and can’t find homes. If you or someone you know is thinking of selling and can accommodate, get in touch with us.
We have your buyer!
- Buyer looking for an investment property in Cottonwood. Up to $400,000.
- Buyers looking for a golf course lot with a 2.5-car garage.
- Buyers looking for a Villa on the golf course.
- Buyers looking for a 2BR 2BA + den in one of the gated communities.
Recent Real Estate Sales in Sun Lakes
Wondering about your Neighbor’s Home Sales Price? Find out here to see what sold last month. The report is broken down by HOA, address, and floor plan (if the agent listed the model in MLS).
We Are Committed to Helping End Polio Now!
We will donate $100 in your name to end polio around the world, when you list your home for sale with us!
You may also donate directly here
Would You Like a Free Buyer Guide or a Seller Guide?
Get Insider Information
We live, work, play, and volunteer in Sun Lakes and we know the ins and outs of this community.
As always, if you or someone you know is considering buying or selling a home,
we are here year-round and would love to help! Visit us online at
TheKolbTeam.com or call 480-809-5759.
