Drought in Northwestern San Juan Mountains, Colorado

The August 20th US Drought Monitor update indicated worsening drought conditions across portions of southwest Colorado. In particular, drought across Colorado Zone 018 - Northwestern San Juan Mountains developed Extreme (D3) Drought, which was analyzed to cover roughly 1/3 of the zone. This extent of Extreme (D3) Drought remained unchanged through the end of the month.

The month of August continued the trend of the summer, where above normal temperatures and below normal precipitation were characteristic. By the latter part of the month, Extreme (D3) Drought conditions expanded into the higher elevations of the San Juan mountains, as well as into the southern Colorado valleys.