High Plains Weekly Drought Update - January 23, 2020

A continued lack of precipitation in the western High Plains led to the expansion of abnormally dry conditions (D0) in this area during the past week, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. D0 conditions were introduced in northwest Wyoming. Meanwhile, D0 conditions were expanded into northeast Colorado and southwest Nebraska due to above-normal temperatures and below-normal precipitation occurring over the past few months. As for improvements, D0 conditions were trimmed in northwest Kansas and south-central Nebraska.

Snow water equivalent (SWE) values in Colorado basins were reported as above median, resulting in a statewide snowpack of 112% of median. Wyoming’s SWE values were also reported as near or above median, with the state as a whole at 108% of median.

The Climate Prediction Center’s 6-10 day outlook has increased chances for above-normal temperatures throughout the High Plains except for western and central Colorado. Increased chances for above-normal precipitation are also present throughout most of the High Plains. The 7-day Quantitative Precipitation Forecast predicts that precipitation will occur in much of Kansas, Nebraska, and South Dakota, as well as pockets of North Dakota, Wyoming, and Colorado. The greatest amounts are expected in eastern Kansas and southeastern Nebraska.