Drought in Uncompahgre Plateau and Dallas Divide, Colorado

At the beginning of the month of April, the US Drought Monitor analyzed an area of Extreme (D3) Drought as covering 50% of Colorado Zone 017 - Uncompahgre Plateau and Dallas Divide, with 15% of the zone under Severe (D2) Drought, 35% under Moderate (D1) Drought. With the 4/29 US Drought Monitor update, the area of Extreme (D3) Drought coverage was reduced to 40%, with Severe (D2) Drought increased to 25% coverage. Moderate (D1) Drought still covers 35% of the zone. Drought impacts are, so far, limited to the poor winter snowpack and early melt out. There are increasing concerns about the impact of the drought on the summer wildfire season, as well as water availability for those in this zone as well as for nearby population areas, including Grand Junction and Montrose.

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.