Drought in Northwestern San Juan Mountains, Colorado

At the beginning of the month of April the US Drought Monitor analyzed an area of Exceptional (D4) Drought as covering 5% of Colorado Zone 018 - Northwestern San Juan Mountains, with 35% of the zone under Extreme (D3) Drought, 45% of the zone under Severe (D2) Drought, and 15% under Moderate (D1) Drought. With the 4/29 US Drought Monitor update, Exceptional (D4) Drought coverage was reduced to 0% of the zone. Extreme (D3) Drought now covered 20% of the zone, with 65% of the zone under Severe (D2) Drought, and 15% of the zone under Moderate (D1) Drought. Main impacts from the drought are related to the lack of winter snowpack. This has impacted winter tourism, as well as raised concerns over summer wildfire potential.

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.