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2 clusters · 3 sources · 26 days · First seen · Last updated

Drought in Colorado and the Intermountain West

Overview

Drought conditions have intensified across Colorado and the broader Intermountain West. In late July, Aspen and Grand County faced severe restrictions, with the U.S. Drought Monitor classifying parts of the Roaring Fork watershed as being in ‘Exceptional Drought (D4)’, the highest level. Local officials implemented Stage Three and Stage Four shortage declarations to manage depleted stream flows and low snowpack.

By late August, the drought expanded significantly across the Intermountain West, affecting nearly 95% of the region, including Nevada, Utah, Idaho, Arizona, Wyoming, Montana, and New Mexico. In Colorado, extreme or exceptional drought conditions persisted, particularly in western counties such as Eagle, Pitkin, Lake, Garfield, Routt, and Summit. Denver also reported precipitation levels approximately 38% below normal for August.

Entities

U.S. Drought Monitor · Aspen Drought Response Committee · Colorado · National Integrated Drought Information System · Denver

Timeline

  1. 1 day ago

    [INTERNATIONAL] 3 sources
    Drought expands across Colorado and the Intermountain West

    Drought conditions are expanding across Colorado and the Intermountain West, with nearly 95% of the region affected by extreme heat and low precipitation.

  2. 27 days ago

    [POLITICS] 2 sources
    Aspen Extends Stage Three Water Shortage Amid Colorado Drought

    Aspen extends Stage 3 water shortage as Colorado faces Exceptional Drought; nearby Grand County imposes strict restrictions and a fire ban, urging greater water conservation.

Sources

aspentimes.com · counterpane.com · foxweather.com