According to the May 6 update from the National Integrated Drought Information System(opens in new window)(opens in new window)(opens in new window) (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.
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.