drought conditions

Drought Status

According to the November 28 update from the  National Integrated Drought Information System (NIDIS), 27% of the state is currently experiencing some level of drought with 19% in the Moderate Drought category, 6% in Severe Drought, and 40% of Colorado is Abnormally Dry. The map featured above shows the drought conditions on August 29.

As of November 13, cumulative precipitation in the Colorado River watershed was tracking at 89% of average and the South Platte River watershed was tracking at 61% of average. Snowpack in the Colorado River is tracking at 70% of normal and is tracking at 51% of normal in the South Platte River watershed.

Denver Water’s supply reservoir contents as of November 13 are represented in the table below. Reservoir totals are 87% full and were 85% full this time last year.
ReservoirPercent Full: CurrentPercent Full: Historical Median
Antero88%100%
Eleven Mile103%102%
Cheesman97%95%
Marston82%63%
Strontia Springs86%93%
Chatfield50%57%
Dillon97%98%
Gross44%84%
Ralston92%87%
Meadow Creek66%76%

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 December 4 statewide snowpack is 85 percent of median.

statewide snowpack