Drought in Lower Yampa River Basin, Colorado

At the beginning of the month of March, Extreme (D3) Drought was analyzed as covering approximately 40% of Colorado Zone 001 - Lower Yampa River Basin, with 50% of the zone under Severe (D2) Drought conditions, and the remaining 10% under Moderate (D1) Drought conditions. With the 3/24 Drought Monitor update, Extreme (D3) Drought expanded to cover approximately 85% of the zone, with the remaining 15% under Severe (D2) Drought conditions. With the 3/31 update, Exceptional (D4) Drought had developed, covering approximately 75% of the zone, with the remaining 25% now under Extreme (D3) Drought conditions. No reports of impacts or losses related to the drought conditions in this zone have been received.

The month of March continued the trend of much above normal temperatures and below normal precipitation that characterized the winter of 2025-2026. Very little precipitation fell across the region, with all ten climate sites finishing the month with below normal totals. Likewise, temperatures were well above normal, with mean temperatures running 8-10 degrees above normal. As a result, drought remained, and worsened significantly in many locations. And in areas that had, to this point, remained drought free, drought developed and worsened rapidly.