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.
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.
