With the extensive hot, dry weather, the Water Resources Division (WRD) believed it is a good time to update the community on current drought conditions. Below is information on drought and regional outlooks. 

DROUGHT 

Since Jan. 1, 2025, the rain gage located at the WRD office has recorded 4.12 inches of liquid precipitation and the CoCoRaHS Ignacio 2.9N station has recorded 3.70 inches of liquid precipitation. Ignacio averages approximately 14 inches of liquid precipitation each year. Unfortunately, the below average snowpack from last winter and the lack of monsoons this summer has led to our area trending well below average in precipitation. Our area has also been in drought conditions the entire year with conditions progressively worsening since January (Figures 1, 2 & 3). 

Our rivers and reservoirs are feeling the hot and dry weather as well. Our rivers are well below historical averages and irrigation reservoirs are depleting fast with increased water demand. As of Aug. 18, Lemon Reservoir is at 42% full (Figure 4) and the Florida River irrigation season will end Aug. 31. Vallecito Reservoir is at 49% full (Figure 4) and many Pine River private irrigation ditches are depleting their storage water accounts quickly and are having to cut back to 80% supply in order to extend their irrigation season. 

However, the Tribe’s Pine River irrigation season will still be 100% and will go through at least Sept. 30. There may be some local precipitation in the next week or so (Figure 5); however, the NOAA outlooks in the next section show more hot and dry weather in the coming months for our area. 

OUTLOOKS 

The NOAA Precipitation and Temperature Outlooks for September, October, and November (Figures 6 & 7) are currently showing more hot and dry weather. The WRD and the Tribes Drought Task Force are continually monitoring drought conditions on the Reservation and in Southwest Colorado and will respond to drought triggers as necess