WATFMeetingSummaryJuly2006 - Laserfiche WebLink

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JULY 2006 DROUGHT UPDATE Colorado 6-Month Period (Jan -Jun) Colorado 6-Month Period (Jan -Jun) The adjacent figure illustrates the first half of 2006 (Jan- th June) as the 4 driest first of the year since 1900. Ft. Collins is experiencing it driest April-July period in Colorado recorded history. 20% of the State is in a drought, with extremely dry conditions in the northeast part of Colorado. Precipitation for the 2006 water year is below average (50-89%) for much of the State. These significantly low precipitation levels continue to have a devastating impact on the agricultural and livestock industry. Early monsoon rains in July only slightly reduced the drought intensity throughout much of Colorado, except for the northeast corner, where conditions continue to be extreme. Rains helped the southeast part of the State. Recent rain events have not added to water supply or soil moisture, but significantly reduced demand. Monsoonal weather patterns are forecasted to continue for the next 3-5 weeks. However, the number of events and their location will be critical in reducing persisting statewide drought conditions. The three-month temperature outlook indicates above average temperatures. The agricultural industry continues to experience the NOT Colorado Counties Having Disaster Designation greatest impact of the current drought conditions. The Colorado State University Cooperative Extension reports that all but 4 Colorado Counties have disaster declarations due to drought. The forecast is for persistent drought conditions for most of the agriculture sector. 65% of pasture and range is in poor to very poor condition due in part to extremely dry soils incapable of absorbing precipitation moisture when it occurs. The livestock industry continues to suffer with significant herd culling and supplement feed being used for https://disasterhelp.gov/portal/jhtml/usda/ remaining stock. Long Term Forecast Summary With La Niña disappearing, precipitation forecasts (August-November) tend to be neutral with no clear indication on whether current drought conditions will improve. The general forecast for August-November is for above normal temperatures threatening to wipe out any of the gains made by recent rain events. Monsoonal weather patterns are forecasted for the next 3-5 weeks potentially dampening fire activity and reducing municipal water demands on water supply reservoirs. NOTE: The maps and graphics depicted in this report were those presented at the July 20, 2006 meeting and may have been updated since the meeting.