According to the May 6 update from the National Integrated Drought Information System (NIDIS), 44.7% of the state is currently experiencing some level of drought with 28.2% in the Moderate Drought category, 12.7% in a Severe Drought, 3.8% in the Extreme Drought category, and 29.9% of Colorado is Abnormally Dry. The map featured above shows the drought conditions on May 6.

As of May 12, snowpack in Denver Water’s collection areas stood at 53% of normal in the South Platte Basin and 89% of normal in the Colorado River Basin.

Cumulative precipitation in the Colorado River watershed was tracking at 104% of average and the South Platte River watershed was tracking at 84% of average.

Denver Water’s total reservoir supply is at 83% full which is consistent with the historical median.

Denver Water’s Summer Watering Rules are in effect from May 1 to October 1.

Currently, on May 13 snowpack statewide is 46% of median. 

Percent of median by river basin:

• Yampa and White: 46
• Colorado Headwaters: 49
• Laramie and North Platte: 56
• South Platte: 66
• Gunnison: 35
• Arkansas: 41
• Upper Rio Grande: 19
• San Miguel, Dolores, Animas and San Juan: 25

Information provided by USDA, NIDIS, and Denver Water.