Update on our snowpack and drought

How does our recent snowstorm impact our drought and overall snowpack?

Sunday’s snowstorm was quite impressive! Some areas in the Pikes Peak region and the mountains southwest of Pueblo piled up a foot of snow. People we interviewed had mixed feelings about the winter weather, but ultimately loved the moisture.

“Well I like the snow, we got about, I live in Pueblo and we got about five inches. The only I don’t like are the icy roads, but we needed the moisture,” said Pueblo resident Charlene Richardson.

But just how much does this recent snow affect our snowpack and drought? While statewide, our snowpack numbers are down compared to what we’ve experienced recently, across Colorado, we are 126 percent above-average snowpack levels. That’s great. The Arkansas River basin is more than 160 percent of normal in snowpack. This is fabulous news for our state’s water resources, not to mention favorable conditions for skiers and snowboarders in the high country.

In terms of our drought, it’ll take consistent snowstorms to see a noticeable improvement. One storm isn’t enough to eradicate extreme or even moderate drought. Even still, it’s wonderful to see that recent moisture. Our next updated drought monitor will be released this Thursday.

It’s incredibly important to see good snow in the winter season to mitigate fire danger which tends to increase in the spring. With an El Niño pattern still expected to develop in the coming months, we could be dealing with more active weather this winter season. We’ll keep you ahead of the storms.