Drought in Lower Yampa River Basin, Colorado

At the beginning of the month of April, the US Drought Monitor indicated approximately 70% of Colorado Zone 001 - Lower Yampa River Basin was under Exceptional (D4) Drought, with the remaining 25% under Extreme (D3) Drought. With the 4/29 US Drought Monitor update, the area of Exceptional (D4) Drought was reduced to 30% coverage, while 70% of the zone was now under Extreme (D3) Drought conditions. These conditions remained unchanged through the end of the month. While no direct impacts from the drought were yet observed, increasing unease among those living and working in this zone has been noted. People are becoming increasingly concerned about water availability through the summer, and what the ongoing drought might mean for summer wildfires. There is also concern over drinking water availability and sourcing. With the lack of snowmelt, water quality is poorer than in typical years. The city of Rangely also has specific concerns regarding water flow rates and level, as they draw water directly from the White River, and if water levels are too low and flow too weak, it becomes impossible to draw water reliably.

The month of April saw weather closer to that expected for the time of year. While temperatures did end up being, on average, warmer than normal, the departures were significantly less compared to the month of March. The mountains saw a few solid snowfalls during the month, as well as some precipitation across the lower elevations. Areas north of I-70 generally fared the best. Locations in this region did see some improvement in drought conditions. Areas south of I-70 generally remained the same or worsened slightly.