Drought in Central Yampa River Basin, Colorado

The US Drought Monitor analyzed areas of Extreme (D3) Drought in Colorado Zone 002-Central Yampa River Basin throughout the month of July. Due to the continued dry and hot conditions, the Drought Monitor analysis significantly expanded the coverage of Extreme (D3) Drought conditions westward with the July 30th update. No reports of crop damage or failures, or other drought related impacts, were received.

The month saw above normal temperatures and generally below normal precipitation across eastern Utah and western Colorado. What little moisture did manage to move into the region favored the higher terrain, allowing drought conditions across the lower elevations to worsen through the month. A brief period of moisture at the beginning of the month contributed to brief drought improvements for certain areas, but the overall hot and dry month led to expansion of drought conditions.