Drought — Upper Gunnison River Valley, Colorado

2025-08-01 to 2025-08-31 · Upper Gunnison River Valley, Colorado

Event narrative

At the beginning of the month of August, the US Drought Monitor analyzed an area of Extreme (D3) Drought that covered roughly 25% of Colorado Zone 014 - Upper Gunnison River Valley. The extent of Extreme (D3) drought conditions remained unchanged until the 8/20/25 US Drought Monitor update, which then expanded the area of Extreme (D3) Drought to cover roughly 50% of the zone. Drought conditions remained unchanged from the 8/20/25 update through the end of the month.

Wider weather episode

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.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1291242. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.