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Drought Update and Snowpack Status

The image appears to be a weather or climate map showing different colored regions, with Denver marked, likely indicating conditions such as precipitation or temperature.
The image displays drought categories in Colorado, highlighting percentages for each category, with 31.2% classified as "Abnormally Dry."

According to the November 28 update from the National Integrated Drought Information System (NIDIS), 6% of the state is currently in the Moderate Drought category, 3% is in the Severe Drought category, less than 1% is in the Exceptional Drought category, and 31% of Colorado is considered Abnormally Dry. The map featured above shows the drought conditions on November 28.

Water Year 2024 Review: This water year (October 2023 – September 2024) was very warm across the whole state. In fact, Water Year 2024 was the 6th warmest year on the 129-year record, and parts of Morgan County experienced a record-warm year. Statewide average precipitation was near normal, ranking 62nd driest in the 129-year record. However, the Denver Metro area and Northern Front Range experienced one of its driest summers on record, while parts of the San Luis Valley experienced record-wet conditions this year. There was more precipitation in the San Luis Valley than in Fort Collins this year.

Currently, as of 12:00 a.m. on December 3 snowpack statewide is 123 percent of median.

Map showing Colorado's snow water equivalent by region as of December 2, 2024, with percentages compared to the 1991-2020 median.

Percent of median by river basin:

  • Yampa and White: 96
  • Colorado Headwaters: 123
  • Laramie and North Platte: 90
  • South Platte: 109
  • Gunnison: 145
  • Arkansas: 169
  • Upper Rio Grande: 145
  • San Miguel, Dolores, Animas and San Juan: 142

Information provided by USDANIDIS, and CWCB.

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