Drought in Flattop Mountains, 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 013 - Flattop Mountains. Drought conditions remained unchanged through much of the month. With the 4/29 US Drought Monitor update, the area of Exceptional (D4) Drought was reduced to 98% coverage, with 2% of the zone now under Extreme (D3) Drought. Main impacts from Drought in this zone are related to the lack of snowpack through the winter season. This has led to increasing concern over the upcoming summer wildfire season, as well as 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.