High Plains Weekly Drought Update - January 30, 2020

Recent precipitation greatly aided in the improvement of drought conditions in drought-stricken areas of Colorado and Kansas, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. Reductions in severe drought (D2) occurred in western and southern Colorado this past week as long-term precipitation deficits in the area improved and mountain snowpack was near normal. In southwest Kansas, abnormally dry (D0), moderate drought (D1), and D2 conditions were reduced slightly after above-normal precipitation occurred this past week.

Snow water equivalent (SWE) values in Colorado basins were reported as above median, resulting in a statewide snowpack of 108% of median. Wyoming’s SWE values were also reported as near or above median, with the state as a whole at 107% of median.

The Climate Prediction Center’s 6-10 day outlook has increased chances for above-normal temperatures for western North Dakota and extreme southeastern Kansas, while increased chances for below-normal temperatures are present in Colorado, Wyoming, and the southwest corner of the Nebraska Panhandle. Increased chances for above-normal precipitation are also present in the Dakotas, Nebraska, Wyoming, Colorado, and western Kansas. Increased chances for below-normal precipitation are present in south-central Kansas. The 7-day Quantitative Precipitation Forecast predicts that precipitation will occur throughout much of the High Plains except for central Nebraska, northeast South Dakota, and eastern North Dakota. The greatest amounts are expected in the mountainous areas of Colorado and Wyoming.