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Drought Status

The image shows a weather map of Colorado with color-coded areas indicating various conditions or warnings, including Denver.
The image shows drought categories and their percentages in Colorado: D0 (11.9%), D1 (29.5%), D2 (10%), D3 (4.1%), D4 (0.4%), totaling 44% in drought.

According to the National Integrated Drought Information System (NIDIS), 44% of the state is currently experiencing some level of drought with 30% in a Moderate Drought. The map featured above shows the drought conditions on April 25.

Currently, as of 12:00 a.m. on May 3, snowpack statewide is 132 percent of median.

Map showing snow water equivalent percentages for Colorado basins as of May 3, 2023. Values range from 78% to 188% of normal.

As of May 1, cumulative precipitation in the Colorado River watershed was tracking at 92% of average and the South Platte River watershed was tracking at 77% of average. Snowpack in the Colorado River is tracking at 96% of normal and is tracking at 71% of normal in the South Platte River watershed.

Denver Water’s supply reservoir contents as of May 1 are represented in the table below.

Reservoir Percent Full: Current Percent Full: Historical Median
Antero 96% 100%
Eleven Mile 102% 102%
Cheesman 86% 95%
Marston 76% 63%
Strontia Springs 87% 93%
Chatfield 92% 58%
Dillon 88% 98%
Gross 46% 84%
Ralston 87% 87%
Meadow Creek 45% 77%

The district will continue to work with Denver Water on monitoring the watersheds and will provide updates to our customers through our website and social media channels.

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