Drought in Central Yampa River Basin, Colorado

At the beginning of the month of April, the US Drought Monitor analyzed an area of Exceptional (D4) Drought as covering 100% of Colorado Zone 002 - Central Yampa River Basin. Conditions went unchanged through most of the month. With the 4/29 US Drought Monitor update, the area of Exceptional (D4) Drought was reduced to covering 70% of the zone, with 30% of the zone now came under Extreme (D3) Drought conditions. These conditions remained unchanged through the end of the month. While no direct impacts from the drought have been noted as yet, those living and working in this zone are beginning to express unease over current conditions. There is concern over water availability through the summer, drinking water quality and sourcing, and what drought conditions might mean for summer wildfire season.

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.