Drought in Animas River Basin, Colorado

At the beginning of the month of September, the US Drought Monitor analyzed an area of Extreme (D3) Drought conditions as covering roughly 80% of Colorado Zone 022 - Animas River Basin, with the remainder of the zone under Severe (D2) Drought conditions. With the 9/17 Drought Monitor update, the area of Extreme (D3) Drought coverage was reduced to 1/3 of the zone. The drought worsened with the 9/24 update, as the area of Extreme (D3) Drought coverage increased to roughly 2/3 of the zone. From this point to the end of the month, there were no significant changes in drought conditions.

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.