Drought in Southwestern San Juan Mountains, Colorado

The US Drought Monitor analyzed an area of Extreme (D3) Drought in far southeastern portions of Colorado Zone 019 - Southwestern San Juan Mountains. This area of Extreme (D3) Drought remained largely unchanged throughout the month. The Stoner Mesa wildfire began in this zone during the month of July, likely fueled by drought-cured fuels. 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.