Drought in Lower Yampa River Basin, Colorado

At the beginning of the month of August, the US Drought Monitor analysis indicated that Extreme (D3) Drought covered the entirety of Colorado Zone 001 - Lower Yampa River Basin. With the 8/13/25 Drought Monitor update, a small sliver (less than 10% of the zone) of Exceptional (D4) Drought developed. After this addition of Exceptional (D4) conditions, the drought conditions in the zone remained unchanged through the end of the month.

The month of August continued where July left off, with overall above normal temperatures and below normal precipitation. In particular, the lower elevations of eastern Utah and western Colorado showed the greatest departures in both temperatures and precipitation. As a result, Extreme (D3) Drought either remained unchanged in coverage, or expanded through the month.