According to the November 28 update from the National Integrated Drought Information System (NIDIS), 6% of the state is currently in the Moderate Drought category, 3% is in the Severe Drought category, less than 1% is in the Exceptional Drought category, and 31% of Colorado is considered Abnormally Dry. The map featured above shows the drought conditions on November 28.
Water Year 2024 Review: This water year (October 2023 – September 2024) was very warm across the whole state. In fact, Water Year 2024 was the 6th warmest year on the 129-year record, and parts of Morgan County experienced a record-warm year. Statewide average precipitation was near normal, ranking 62nd driest in the 129-year record. However, the Denver Metro area and Northern Front Range experienced one of its driest summers on record, while parts of the San Luis Valley experienced record-wet conditions this year. There was more precipitation in the San Luis Valley than in Fort Collins this year.
Currently, as of 12:00 a.m. on December 3 snowpack statewide is 123 percent of median.
Percent of median by river basin:
Yampa and White: 96
Colorado Headwaters: 123
Laramie and North Platte: 90
South Platte: 109
Gunnison: 145
Arkansas: 169
Upper Rio Grande: 145
San Miguel, Dolores, Animas and San Juan: 142
Information provided by USDA, NIDIS, and CWCB.