Drought in Upper Yampa River Basin, Colorado

At the beginning of the month of September, the US Drought Monitor analyzed an area of Extreme (D3) Drought conditions that covered 100% of Colorado Zone 005 - Upper Yampa River Basin. With the 9/3 Drought Monitor update, Extreme (D3) Drought coverage was reduced to approximately 40% of the zone. Drought conditions remained largely unchanged from this point to the end of the month.

The month of September continued to run above normal in terms of temperatures, and below normal in terms of precipitation. However, there were a few periods of heavy rain across the region, particularly around September 12th, and again at the end of the month, which helped to improve drought conditions across the region. A dry end to the month did allow for some worsening drought around the Four Corners.