As of the February 24 report from the National Integrated Drought Information System (NIDIS), 56% of Colorado is experiencing some level of drought. Current conditions include 22% in Moderate Drought, 25% in Severe Drought, and 19% of the state Abnormally Dry. The map above reflects drought conditions as of February 24.
The National Weather Service (NWS) announced on Sunday that Denver has experienced one of the warmest and driest Februaries on record. According to the NWS, Denver experienced its second driest February, recording only 0.02 inches of precipitation. This is behind only 1970s 0.01 inches. Denver average temperature for February was 42.1 degrees, which is the third -warmest since records began in 1872.
As of Mar. 2 the snowpack in Denver Water’s collection areas stood at 49% of normal in the South Platte watershed and 62% of normal in the Colorado River watershed. Cumulative precipitation in the Colorado River watershed was tracking at 72% of average and the South Platte River watershed was tracking at 61% of average.
Denver Water’s supply reservoir contents as of Mar. 2 are represented in the table below. Reservoir totals are 80% full and were 85% full this time last year.
| Reservoir | Percent Full: Current | Percent Full: Historical Median |
|---|---|---|
| Antero | 90% | 77% |
| Chatfield | 93% | 87% |
| Cheesman | 80% | 80% |
| Dillon | 76% | 88% |
| Eleven Mile | 101% | 102% |
| Gross | 49% | 64% |
| Marston | 84% | 67% |
| Ralston | 61% | 71% |
| Strontia Springs | 88% | 91% |
As of February 26 statewide snowpack is 64 percent of median.
Percent of median by river basin:
Yampa and White: 70%
Colorado Headwaters: 64%
Laramie and North Platte: 73%
South Platte: 66%
Gunnison: 67%
Arkansas: 48%
Upper Rio Grande: 55%
San Miguel, Dolores, Animas and San Juan: 62%