Drought Status and Snowpack Update
According to the Jan. 30 update from the National Integrated Drought Information System (NIDIS), 28% of the state is currently experiencing some level of drought with 21% in the Moderate Drought category, 5% in a Severe Drought, and 30% of Colorado is Abnormally Dry. The map featured above shows the drought conditions on Jan. 30.
As of Monday, Feb. 5, the snowpack in Denver Water’s collection areas stood at 106% of normal in the South Platte Basin and 98% of normal in the Colorado River Basin. Cumulative precipitation in the Colorado River watershed was tracking at 113% of average and the South Platte River watershed was tracking at 86% of average.
Denver Water’s supply reservoir contents as of February 5 are represented in the table below. Reservoir totals are 87% full and were 85% 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.
Statewide snowpack is at 93 percent of median as of February 6.
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Percent of median by river basin:
Yampa and White: 96
Upper Colorado: 100
Laramie and North Platte: 91
South Platte: 94
Gunnison: 95
Arkansas: 91
Upper Rio Grande: 80
San Miguel, Dolores, Animas and San Juan: 84