Drought Update and Snowpack Status
According to the February 27 update from the National Integrated Drought Information System (NIDIS), 10.7% of the state is currently experiencing some level of drought with 7% in the Moderate Drought category, 3.5% in Severe Drought, and 26% of Colorado is Abnormally Dry. The map featured above shows the drought conditions on February 27.
As of, February 26 cumulative precipitation in the Colorado River watershed was tracking at 107% of average and the South Platte River watershed was tracking at 82% of average. Snowpack in the Colorado River is tracking at 94% of normal and is tracking at 104% of normal in the South Platte River watershed.
Denver Water’s supply reservoir contents as of February 26 are represented in the table below. Reservoir totals are 83% full and were 81% full this time last year.
| 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.
As of March 4 statewide snowpack is 99 percent of median.
Percent of median by river basin:
- Yampa and White: 108
- Upper Colorado: 105
- Laramie and North Platte: 101
- South Platte: 95
- Gunnison: 98
- Arkansas: 91
- Upper Rio Grande: 87
- San Miguel, Dolores, Animas and San Juan: 92