Drought Status and Snowpack Update
According to the May 27 update from the National Integrated Drought Information System (NIDIS), 49% of the state is currently experiencing some level of drought with 24% in the Moderate Drought category, 19% in a Severe Drought, 6% in the Extreme Drought category, and 17% of Colorado is Abnormally Dry. The map featured above shows the drought conditions on May 27.
As of May 27, snowpack in Denver Water’s collection areas stood at 85% of normal in the South Platte Basin and 109% of normal in the Colorado River Basin. Cumulative precipitation in the Colorado River watershed was tracking at 105% of average and the South Platte River watershed was tracking at 83% of average.
Denver Water’s Annual Summer Watering Rules are in effect until October 1.
Denver Water’s supply reservoir contents as of May 27 are represented in the table below. Reservoir totals are 85% full and were 87% 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% |
As of May 30 statewide snowpack is 58 percent of median.
Percent of median by river basin:
- Yampa and White: 53
- Colorado Headwaters: 56
- Laramie and North Platte: 63
- South Platte: 89
- Gunnison: 15
- Arkansas: 94
- Upper Rio Grande: 1
- San Miguel, Dolores, Animas and San Juan: 15
- Information provided by USDA, NIDIS, and CWCB and Denver Water.