Drought in Animas River Basin, Colorado

At the beginning of the month of April, the US Drought Monitor analyzed an area of Extreme (D3) Drought as covering 100% of Colorado Zone 022 - Animas River Basin. With the 4/8 US Drought Monitor update, the area of Extreme (D3) Drought was reduced to 30% coverage, with 70% of the zone now under Severe (D2) Drought. With the 4/29 update, the area of Extreme (D3) Drought was further reduced to 10% coverage, with 90% of the zone now under Severe (D2) Drought. Direct impacts from the ongoing drought are limited to diminished winter tourism due to the poor snowpack. The Colorado State Climatologist has referred to this years winter snowpack as historically bad. Additionally, concern is increasing over the impact of the ongoing drought on the upcoming summer wildfire season. There is also worry over water availability for home irrigation, farming, and 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.