Drought in West Elk and Sawatch Mountains, Colorado

At the beginning of the month of April, the US Drought Monitor analyzed an area of Exceptional (D4) Drought as covering approximately 25% of Colorado Zone 012 - West Elk and Sawatch Mountains, with 60% of the zone under Extreme (D3) Drought conditions, 10% under Severe (D2) Drought, and 5% under Moderate (D1) Drought. Drought conditions remained largely unchanged through most of the month. With the 4/29 update, Exceptional (D4) Drought was reduced to covering 20% of the zone, and Extreme (D3) Drought was reduced to 55%. Severe (D2) Drought now covers 20% of the zone, and 5% remains under Moderate (D1) Drought. Drought impacts are mainly related to the lack of snow in the zone, causing concern over water availability through the rest of the year.

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.