Drought Update

The image shows a weather map of Colorado, highlighting different precipitation levels, with areas marked in red, orange, and yellow.
The image displays drought categories and percentages in Colorado, indicating 30.4% of the area is experiencing varying drought levels.

As of the November 25 report from the National Integrated Drought Information System (NIDIS), 30% of Colorado is experiencing some level of drought. Current conditions include 16% in Moderate Drought, 13% in Severe Drought, and 26% of the state Abnormally Dry. The map above reflects drought conditions as of November 25.

Water Year 2025 Review:

Statewide average temperatures were well above average in Water Year 2025 (1.0℉ above the 1991-2020 average of 46.2℉). It marked the 10th warmest water year on record out of 130 years of data.

Total precipitation across the state was slightly below normal at 0.85″ below the statewide 30-year average of 18.1″.

Previous water years that were similarly warm and dry to Water Year 2025 include 1981, 2024, 2006, and 2021.

As of December 1 statewide snowpack is 46 percent of median.

The image is a map showing snow water equivalent data for Colorado as of November 30, 2023, highlighting areas in red and yellow.

Percent of median by river basin:

  • Yampa and White: 34
  • Colorado Headwaters: 38
  • Laramie and North Platte: 38
  • South Platte: 37
  • Gunnison: 57
  • Arkansas: 58
  • Upper Rio Grande: 66
  • San Miguel, Dolores, Animas and San Juan: 68

Information provided by USDA, NIDIS, and CWCB.

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