Drought in Debeque To Silt Corridor, Colorado

At the beginning of the month of April, the US Drought Monitor analyzed an area of Exceptional (D4) Drought as covering approximately 85% of Colorado Zone 007 - DeBeque to Silt Corridor, with the remaining 15% under Extreme (D3) Drought conditions. Drought conditions remained unchanged for much of the month. With the 4/29 US Drought Monitor update, the area of Exceptional (D4) Drought was reduced to 20% of the zone, with the remaining 80% under Extreme (D3) Drought. Drought impacts the zone so far have been minimal. Those living in the zone are beginning to grow concerned over what the drought and lack of snow means for the upcoming summer fire weather season. There are also concerns over water availability for home irrigation use, for farming, and for ranching.

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.