Drought conditions persist in most of Colorado

Despite some good early snowfall, drought conditions persist through most of Colorado.

The U.S. Drought Monitor says three-quarters of the state is in some form of drought.

Conditions are the worst in the Arkansas Valley in southeastern Colorado. Parts of Bent, Crowley and Otero counties are listed as being in exceptional drought, the worst designation.

Only the South Platte and the North Platte basins, hit by September’s flooding, are listed as drought free.

The Pueblo Chieftain reports that municipal water providers aren’t too worried right now because there’s more water in reservoirs than there was at this time last year.

Snowpack levels are above average but that isn’t considered a predictor of next year’s water supply since most of the state’s snow typically doesn’t come until March and April.