• Arizona & New Mexico saw drought improvements since January 2024.
• Snowpack in the Upper Colorado River Basin is below normal (87% of average).
• Snowpack in the Lower Colorado River Basin is well above average (145%).
• California snowpack is near normal for late April (97%).
• Portions of Wyoming are still impacted by drought.

April 26, 2024 — This week’s U.S. Drought Monitor report highlights a mix of improvement and deterioration in drought conditions across the Colorado River Basin.

Arizona and New Mexico have seen significant drought relief since the start of the year due to above-normal precipitation. California’s snowpack, a major source of water, is near normal for this time of year.

However, other basin states are less fortunate. The Upper Colorado River Basin, which includes portions of Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, and New Mexico, has a below-average snowpack. This is concerning as snowmelt is a crucial contributor to the region’s water supply. Wyoming also continues to experience drought conditions.

Map Source: U.S. Drought Monitor Map released April 25, 2024, drawing on April 23 data.

Video from Farm Journal, “From El Niño to La Niña: How This Weather Shift Impacts U.S. Farmers” —