CARBONDALE, Colo. (AP) - Colorado's rivers and streams could reach peak runoff 20 to 30 days earlier than average this year, and dust storms are the reason.

Andy Barrett of the National Snow and Ice Data Center in Boulder says the dust was deposited by 12 storms between mid-December and early April.

Dust-covered snow melts faster because its darker surface absorbs more of the sun's heat than cleaner snow does.

Scientists expect a condensed runoff season as a result of the earlier snow melt. Flows will be high early and recede sooner. That means less water will be available for irrigation systems later in the summer when farmers need it.

Melting snow contributes about 80 percent of the water in rivers, streams, lakes and reservoirs, which comprise much of the state's water supply.

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Information from: Aspen Daily News, http://www.aspendailynews.com