Drought and Snowpack Update
According to the May 28 update from the National Integrated Drought Information System (NIDIS), 15% of the state is currently in the Moderate Drought category, and 23.5% of Colorado is Abnormally Dry. The map featured above shows the drought conditions on May 28.
As of, May 28 cumulative precipitation in the Colorado River watershed was tracking at 117% of average and the South Platte River watershed was tracking at 101% of average. Snowpack in the Colorado River is tracking at 124% of normal and is tracking at 101% of normal in the South Platte River watershed.
Denver Water’s supply reservoir contents as of May 28 are represented in the table below. Reservoir totals are 90% full and were 89% 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 May 30 statewide snowpack is 139 percent of median.
Percent of median by river basin:
- Yampa and White: 136
- Colorado Headwaters: 152
- Laramie and North Platte: 121
- South Platte: 165
- Gunnison: 119
- Arkansas: 170
- Upper Rio Grande: 5
- San Miguel, Dolores, Animas and San Juan: 40