As of September 1st, dry conditions continue to cover 100% of the state with 91.5% in severe, extreme, or exceptional drought categories.
According to the September 1st update from the National Integrated Drought Information System (NIDIS), 0.4% of Colorado is in an exceptional drought, 36.4% is in an extreme drought, 54.7% is in a severe drought, 7.3% is in a moderate drought and 1.2% of the state is abnormally dry. Collectively, 100% of Colorado remains in a drought. The map featured above shows the drought conditions on September 1st.
On June 22, Governor Polis activated the State Drought Mitigation and Response Plan and the supporting Drought and Agricultural Impact Task Forces to respond to deepening drought conditions across the state. For more information on the developing 2020 drought season and response resources, visit the Colorado Water Conservation Board drought website.
As of September 1st, cumulative precipitation in the Colorado River Watershed was tracking at 88% of average and cumulative precipitation in the South Platte River Watershed was tracking at 89% of average.
Despite the extremely dry conditions, Colorado’s water supply remains stable thanks to a very effective snow season last winter. Denver Water’s reservoir levels are 90% full. This time last year they were 92% full. Denver Water’s supply reservoir contents as of September 1 are represented in the table below.
| Reservoir | Percent Full: Current | Percent Full: Historical Median |
|---|---|---|
| Antero | 101% | 99% |
| Eleven Mile | 102% | 102% |
| Cheesman | 82% | 83% |
| Marston | 67% | 54% |
| Strontia Springs | 87% | 94% |
| Chatfield | 96% | 95% |
| Dillon | 84% | 88% |
| Gross | 21% | 38% |
| Ralston | 62% | 52% |
| Meadow Creek | 0% | 12% |
The district will continue to work with Denver Water on monitoring the watersheds and will provide updates to our customers through our website and social media channels.