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Drought
79% | of the state is in drought as of May 22, 2025 |
Summer Seasonal outlook suggests above-average temperatures and normal or below average precipitation (precipitation forecast has much greater uncertainty). Statewide snowpack is currently at 58% of the median, down from 70% on April 22. Highest basin snowpack in state = 72% of median in N. Platte. Lowest basin snowpack = 13% in Rio Grande.
| The U.S. Drought Monitor releases a map every Thursday showing parts of the U.S. that are in drought. The Drought Monitor has been a team effort since its inception in 1999, produced jointly by the National Drought Mitigation Center (NDMC) at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). Follow the link to the current Colorado drought map. |
local response
Local drought response may be triggered by any number of things depending on the characteristics of that water system: stream levels or soil moisture or water storage thresholds, just to name a few. Local governments and water providers may also respond to drought in different ways, including but not limited to watering restrictions. Check with your provider to learn about their drought plan and current restrictions.
CSU Climate Center drought update
| The Colorado State University Climate Center is a one-stop-shop for drought information. Find data on precipitation, soil moisture, temperature, reservoir storage levels and more. Follow the link on the left. |
colorado snotel snow water equivalent update map
| NWCC routinely surveys Colorado's snowpack. Here is most up-to-date Snow Water Equivalent map, based on mountain data from NWCC SNOTEL sites. Follow the link to view Snow Water Equivalent in the State of Colorado graph. |
