Drought in Central Gunnison and Uncompahgre River Basin, Colorado

At the beginning of the month of September, the US Drought Monitor analyzed an area of Exceptional (D4) Drought that covered roughly 10% of Colorado Zone 011 - Central Gunnison and Uncompahgre River Basin, with the remaining 90% under Extreme (D3) Drought conditions. With the 9/3 Drought Monitor update, the area of Exceptional (D4) Drought was removed, with roughly 95% of the zone now under Extreme (D3) Drought conditions. The remaining 5% of the zone saw Severe (D2) or better conditions. With the 9/17 update, the area of Extreme (D3) Drought was again reduced, now covering roughly 90% of the zone.

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.