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JUNE 2008 DROUGHT UPDATE <br />The NRCS Streamflow Forecast map shows <br />statewide streamflow ranges between 70-150% <br />of average. The Gunnison basin has <br />experienced the best runoff in the state with <br />ranges between 126-156% of average. Runoff <br />has been delayed in some basins due to cooler <br />temperatures or erratic temperatures in May <br />and early June. Those conditions have helped <br />lessen flood concerns. <br />The adjacent map shows the <br />precipitation totals collected from <br />various CoCoRaHS (Community <br />Collaborative Rain, Hail, & Snow <br />Network) sites around Colorado. <br />Statewide, June has been a very dry <br />month. The North American monsoon <br />season is to begin in the next week <br />which should benefit Southwestern and <br />Central Colorado. <br /> <br />The U.S. Drought Monitor map shows the eastern part <br />of Colorado to be abnormally dry and continues to <br />intensify east. Southeastern Colorado is categorized as <br />experiencing exceptional drought conditions <br />agriculturally and hydrologically. This has negatively <br />impacted the wheat crop and cattle farms. Besides the <br />lack of precipitation, wind and heat have contributed to <br />the drought conditions. <br />Long Term Forecast Summary <br />Over the next 8-14 days, forecasters predict increased odds for the states’ southern mountains. While La Niña is not as <br />strong as before, it will still be evident in July and through September which will result in warmer than normal conditions <br />over much of Colorado. The precipitation forecasts indicates in creased odds of drier than normal conditions for the Front <br />Range and increased odds of wetter than normal conditions for the rest of eastern Colorado. <br />NOTE: <br /> The maps and graphics depicted in this report were thos e presented at the June 26, 2008 m eeting and may have been updated s ince the meeting. <br />