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Colorado River Basin

Colorado River Basin Current Conditions

Drought & Dryness Categories
Value Map Hex Color % of Colorado River Basin Description
D0 – Abnormally Dry #ffff00 0 Abnormally Dry Abnormally Dry (D0) indicates a region that is going into or coming out of drought. 
D1 – Moderate Drought #ffcc99 0 Moderate Drought Moderate Drought (D1) is the first of four drought categories (D1–D4), according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.
D2 – Severe Drought #ff6600 0 Severe Drought Severe Drought (D2) is the second of four drought categories (D1–D4), according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. 
D3 – Extreme Drought #ff0000 0 Extreme Drought Extreme Drought (D3) is the third of four drought categories (D1–D4), according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.
D4 – Exceptional Drought #660000 0 Exceptional Drought Exceptional Drought (D4) is the most intense drought category, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. 
Total Area in Drought (D1–D4) dmtotal 0 Total Area in Drought (D1–D4) Percent area of this watershed that is currently in drought (D1–D4), according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.
Percent of Normal Precipitation (%)
Range Map Hex Color Description
0% - 25% #8c510a Precipitation was only 0% to 25% of the historical average for this location, compared to the same date range from 1991–2020. 
25% - 50% #bf812d 25%–50% of Normal Precipitation was 25% to 50% of the historical average for this location, compared to the same date range from 1991–2020. 
50% - 75% #dfc27d 50%–75% of Normal Precipitation was 50% to 75% of the historical average for this location, compared to the same date range from 1991–2020. 
75% - 100% #f6e8c3 75%–100% of Normal Precipitation was 75% to 100% of the historical average for this location, compared to the same date range from 1991–2020. 
Range Map Hex Color Description
100% - 150% #c7eae5 100%–150% of Normal Precipitation was 100% to 150% of the historical average for this location, compared to the same date range from 1991–2020. 
150% - 200% #80cdc1 150%–200% of Normal Precipitation was 150% to 200% of the historical average for this location, compared to the same date range from 1991–2020. 
200% - 300% #35978f 200%–300% of Normal Precipitation was 200% to 300% of the historical average for this location, compared to the same date range from 1991–2020. 
300% - #01665e >300% of Normal Precipitation was greater than 300% of the historical average for this location, compared to the same date range from 1991–2020. 
Departure from Normal Max Temperature (°F)
Range Map Hex Color Description
- -8 #0404ff >8°F Below Normal The average maximum temperature was more than 8°F colder than normal for this location.
-8 - -6 #2166ac 6–8°F Below Normal The average maximum temperature was 6–8°F colder than normal for this location.
-6 - -4 #4393c3 4–6°F Below Normal The average maximum temperature was 4–6°F colder than normal for this location.
-4 - -3 #92c5de 3–4°F Below Normal The average maximum temperature was 3–4°F colder than normal for this location.
-3 - -1 #d1e5f0 1–3°F Below Normal The average maximum temperature was 1–3°F colder than normal for this location.
-1 - 0 #ffffff 0–1°F Below Normal The average maximum temperature was 0–1°F colder than normal for this location.
Range Map Hex Color Description
0 - 1 #ffffff 0–1°F Above Normal The average maximum temperature was 0–1°F warmer than normal for this location.
1 - 3 #fddbc7 1–3°F Above Normal The average maximum temperature was 1–3°F warmer than normal for this location.
3 - 4 #f4a582 3–4°F Above Normal The average maximum temperature was 3–4°F warmer than normal for this location.
4 - 6 #d6604d 4–6°F Above Normal The average maximum temperature was 4–6°F warmer than normal for this location.
6 - 8 #b2182b 6–8°F Above Normal The average maximum temperature was 6–8°F warmer than normal for this location.
8 - #800000 >8°F Above Normal The average maximum temperature was more than 8°F warmer than normal for this location.

Recent Precipitation & Temperature Conditions

Precipitation Conditions

Inches of Precipitation
Range Map Hex Color Description
0 - 0.01 #ffffff This location received less than 0.01 inch of precipitation during this 7-day period.
0.01 - 0.5 #ffffcc This location received 0.01–0.5 inch of precipitation during this 7-day period.
0.5 - 1 #c7e9b4 This location received 0.5–1 inch of precipitation during this 7-day period.
1 - 2 #7fcdbb This location received 1–2 inches of precipitation during this 7-day period.
2 - 4 #41b6c4 This location received 2–4 inches of precipitation during this 7-day period.
4 - 6 #1d91c0 This location received 4–6 inches of precipitation during this 7-day period.
6 - 8 #225ea8 This location received 6–8 inches of precipitation during this 7-day period.
8 - #0c2c84 This location received more than 8 inches of precipitation during this 7-day period.
Percent of Normal Precipitation (%)
Range Map Hex Color Description
0% - 25% #8c510a Precipitation was only 0% to 25% of the historical average for this location, compared to the same date range from 1991–2020. 
25% - 50% #bf812d 25%–50% of Normal Precipitation was 25% to 50% of the historical average for this location, compared to the same date range from 1991–2020. 
50% - 75% #dfc27d 50%–75% of Normal Precipitation was 50% to 75% of the historical average for this location, compared to the same date range from 1991–2020. 
75% - 100% #f6e8c3 75%–100% of Normal Precipitation was 75% to 100% of the historical average for this location, compared to the same date range from 1991–2020. 
Range Map Hex Color Description
100% - 150% #c7eae5 100%–150% of Normal Precipitation was 100% to 150% of the historical average for this location, compared to the same date range from 1991–2020. 
150% - 200% #80cdc1 150%–200% of Normal Precipitation was 150% to 200% of the historical average for this location, compared to the same date range from 1991–2020. 
200% - 300% #35978f 200%–300% of Normal Precipitation was 200% to 300% of the historical average for this location, compared to the same date range from 1991–2020. 
300% - #01665e >300% of Normal Precipitation was greater than 300% of the historical average for this location, compared to the same date range from 1991–2020. 
Percent of Normal Precipitation (%)
Range Map Hex Color Description
0% - 25% #8c510a Precipitation was only 0% to 25% of the historical average for this location, compared to the same date range from 1991–2020. 
25% - 50% #bf812d 25%–50% of Normal Precipitation was 25% to 50% of the historical average for this location, compared to the same date range from 1991–2020. 
50% - 75% #dfc27d 50%–75% of Normal Precipitation was 50% to 75% of the historical average for this location, compared to the same date range from 1991–2020. 
75% - 100% #f6e8c3 75%–100% of Normal Precipitation was 75% to 100% of the historical average for this location, compared to the same date range from 1991–2020. 
Range Map Hex Color Description
100% - 150% #c7eae5 100%–150% of Normal Precipitation was 100% to 150% of the historical average for this location, compared to the same date range from 1991–2020. 
150% - 200% #80cdc1 150%–200% of Normal Precipitation was 150% to 200% of the historical average for this location, compared to the same date range from 1991–2020. 
200% - 300% #35978f 200%–300% of Normal Precipitation was 200% to 300% of the historical average for this location, compared to the same date range from 1991–2020. 
300% - #01665e >300% of Normal Precipitation was greater than 300% of the historical average for this location, compared to the same date range from 1991–2020. 

Temperature Conditions

Maximum Temperature (°F)
Range Map Hex Color Description
- 0 #05346c The 7-day average daily maximum temperature is below 0°F.
0 - 10 #216cac 0–10°F The 7-day average daily maximum temperature is between 0–10°F.
10 - 20 #4393c3 10–20°F The 7-day average daily maximum temperature is between 10–20°F.
20 - 30 #92c5de 20–30°F The 7-day average daily maximum temperature is between 20–30°F.
30 - 40 #d1e5f0 30–40°F The 7-day average daily maximum temperature is between 30–40°F.
40 - 60 #ffffff 40–60°F The 7-day average daily maximum temperature is between 40–60°F.
Range Map Hex Color Description
60 - 70 #fddbc7 60–70°F The 7-day average daily maximum temperature is between 60–70°F.
70 - 80 #f4a582 70–80°F The 7-day average daily maximum temperature is between 70–80°F.
80 - 90 #d6604d 80–90°F The 7-day average daily maximum temperature is between 80–90°F.
90 - 100 #b2182b 90–100°F The 7-day average daily maximum temperature is between 90–100°F.
100 - #69012c >100°F The 7-day average daily maximum temperature is between greater than 100°F.
Departure from Normal Max Temperature (°F)
Range Map Hex Color Description
- -8 #0404ff >8°F Below Normal The average maximum temperature was more than 8°F colder than normal for this location.
-8 - -6 #2166ac 6–8°F Below Normal The average maximum temperature was 6–8°F colder than normal for this location.
-6 - -4 #4393c3 4–6°F Below Normal The average maximum temperature was 4–6°F colder than normal for this location.
-4 - -3 #92c5de 3–4°F Below Normal The average maximum temperature was 3–4°F colder than normal for this location.
-3 - -1 #d1e5f0 1–3°F Below Normal The average maximum temperature was 1–3°F colder than normal for this location.
-1 - 0 #ffffff 0–1°F Below Normal The average maximum temperature was 0–1°F colder than normal for this location.
Range Map Hex Color Description
0 - 1 #ffffff 0–1°F Above Normal The average maximum temperature was 0–1°F warmer than normal for this location.
1 - 3 #fddbc7 1–3°F Above Normal The average maximum temperature was 1–3°F warmer than normal for this location.
3 - 4 #f4a582 3–4°F Above Normal The average maximum temperature was 3–4°F warmer than normal for this location.
4 - 6 #d6604d 4–6°F Above Normal The average maximum temperature was 4–6°F warmer than normal for this location.
6 - 8 #b2182b 6–8°F Above Normal The average maximum temperature was 6–8°F warmer than normal for this location.
8 - #800000 >8°F Above Normal The average maximum temperature was more than 8°F warmer than normal for this location.
Departure from Normal Max Temperature (°F)
Range Map Hex Color Description
- -8 #0404ff >8°F Below Normal The average maximum temperature was more than 8°F colder than normal for this location.
-8 - -6 #2166ac 6–8°F Below Normal The average maximum temperature was 6–8°F colder than normal for this location.
-6 - -4 #4393c3 4–6°F Below Normal The average maximum temperature was 4–6°F colder than normal for this location.
-4 - -3 #92c5de 3–4°F Below Normal The average maximum temperature was 3–4°F colder than normal for this location.
-3 - -1 #d1e5f0 1–3°F Below Normal The average maximum temperature was 1–3°F colder than normal for this location.
-1 - 0 #ffffff 0–1°F Below Normal The average maximum temperature was 0–1°F colder than normal for this location.
Range Map Hex Color Description
0 - 1 #ffffff 0–1°F Above Normal The average maximum temperature was 0–1°F warmer than normal for this location.
1 - 3 #fddbc7 1–3°F Above Normal The average maximum temperature was 1–3°F warmer than normal for this location.
3 - 4 #f4a582 3–4°F Above Normal The average maximum temperature was 3–4°F warmer than normal for this location.
4 - 6 #d6604d 4–6°F Above Normal The average maximum temperature was 4–6°F warmer than normal for this location.
6 - 8 #b2182b 6–8°F Above Normal The average maximum temperature was 6–8°F warmer than normal for this location.
8 - #800000 >8°F Above Normal The average maximum temperature was more than 8°F warmer than normal for this location.

Agriculture in Colorado River Basin

U.S. Drought Monitor
Value Map Hex Color Description
D0 #ffff00 D0 - Abnormally Dry Abnormally Dry (D0) indicates a region that is going into or coming out of drought, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. View typical impacts by state.
D1 #fcd37f D1 – Moderate Drought Moderate Drought (D1) is the first of four drought categories (D1–D4), according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. View typical impacts by state.
D2 #fa0 D2 – Severe Drought Severe Drought (D2) is the second of four drought categories (D1–D4), according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. View typical impacts by state.
D3 #e60000 D3 – Extreme Drought Extreme Drought (D3) is the third of four drought categories (D1–D4), according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. View typical impacts by state.
D4 #730000 D4 – Exceptional Drought Exceptional Drought (D4) is the most intense drought category, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. View typical impacts by state.
U.S. Drought Monitor
Value Map Hex Color Description
D0 #ffff00 D0 - Abnormally Dry Abnormally Dry (D0) indicates a region that is going into or coming out of drought, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. View typical impacts by state.
D1 #fcd37f D1 – Moderate Drought Moderate Drought (D1) is the first of four drought categories (D1–D4), according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. View typical impacts by state.
D2 #fa0 D2 – Severe Drought Severe Drought (D2) is the second of four drought categories (D1–D4), according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. View typical impacts by state.
D3 #e60000 D3 – Extreme Drought Extreme Drought (D3) is the third of four drought categories (D1–D4), according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. View typical impacts by state.
D4 #730000 D4 – Exceptional Drought Exceptional Drought (D4) is the most intense drought category, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. View typical impacts by state.
U.S. Drought Monitor
Value Map Hex Color Description
D0 #ffff00 D0 - Abnormally Dry Abnormally Dry (D0) indicates a region that is going into or coming out of drought, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. View typical impacts by state.
D1 #fcd37f D1 – Moderate Drought Moderate Drought (D1) is the first of four drought categories (D1–D4), according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. View typical impacts by state.
D2 #fa0 D2 – Severe Drought Severe Drought (D2) is the second of four drought categories (D1–D4), according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. View typical impacts by state.
D3 #e60000 D3 – Extreme Drought Extreme Drought (D3) is the third of four drought categories (D1–D4), according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. View typical impacts by state.
D4 #730000 D4 – Exceptional Drought Exceptional Drought (D4) is the most intense drought category, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. View typical impacts by state.
U.S. Drought Monitor
Value Map Hex Color Description
D0 #ffff00 D0 - Abnormally Dry Abnormally Dry (D0) indicates a region that is going into or coming out of drought, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. View typical impacts by state.
D1 #fcd37f D1 – Moderate Drought Moderate Drought (D1) is the first of four drought categories (D1–D4), according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. View typical impacts by state.
D2 #fa0 D2 – Severe Drought Severe Drought (D2) is the second of four drought categories (D1–D4), according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. View typical impacts by state.
D3 #e60000 D3 – Extreme Drought Extreme Drought (D3) is the third of four drought categories (D1–D4), according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. View typical impacts by state.
D4 #730000 D4 – Exceptional Drought Exceptional Drought (D4) is the most intense drought category, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. View typical impacts by state.
U.S. Drought Monitor
Value Map Hex Color Description
D0 #ffff00 D0 - Abnormally Dry Abnormally Dry (D0) indicates a region that is going into or coming out of drought, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. View typical impacts by state.
D1 #fcd37f D1 – Moderate Drought Moderate Drought (D1) is the first of four drought categories (D1–D4), according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. View typical impacts by state.
D2 #fa0 D2 – Severe Drought Severe Drought (D2) is the second of four drought categories (D1–D4), according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. View typical impacts by state.
D3 #e60000 D3 – Extreme Drought Extreme Drought (D3) is the third of four drought categories (D1–D4), according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. View typical impacts by state.
D4 #730000 D4 – Exceptional Drought Exceptional Drought (D4) is the most intense drought category, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. View typical impacts by state.

Crop Production (Acres) or Livestock Count

A circle with the radius of 20 pixels identifies:
> 500,000
A circle with the radius of 16 pixels identifies:
> 300,000
A circle with the radius of 12 pixels identifies:
> 100,000
A circle with the radius of 8 pixels identifies:
≤ 100,000

2,297,893
acres of hay (estimated) in drought (D1–D4)
285,114
acres of wheat (estimated) in drought (D1–D4)
195,074
acres of cotton (estimated) in drought (D1–D4)
966,549
number of sheep (estimated) in drought (D1–D4)
942,487
number of cattle (estimated) in drought (D1–D4)
Water Supply in Colorado River Basin

Streamflow Conditions
Value Map Hex Color Description
Low #ff0000 Record Low Estimated streamflow is the lowest value recorded at this gauge on this day of the year. Learn more.
Much Below #b12121 Much Below Normal ( Estimated streamflow is in the 0–10th percentile of historical streamflow values recorded at this gauge on this day of the year. Learn more.
Below #ffa400 Below Normal (10th–25th Percentile) Estimated streamflow is in the 10th–25th percentile of historical streamflow values recorded at this gauge on this day of the year. Learn more.
Normal #00ff00 Normal (25th–75th Percentile) Estimated streamflow is in the 25th–75th percentile of historical streamflow values recorded at this gauge on this day of the year. Learn more.
Value Map Hex Color Description
Above #40dfd0 Above Normal (75th–90th Percentile) Estimated streamflow is in the 75th–90th percentile of historical streamflow values recorded at this gauge on this day of the year. Learn more.
Much Above #0000ff Much Above Normal (>90th Percentile) Estimated streamflow is in the 90th–100th percentile of historical streamflow values recorded at this gauge on this day of the year. Learn more.
High #000000 Record High Estimated streamflow is the highest value ever measured at this gauge on this day of the year. Learn more.
Not Ranked #ffffff Not Ranked A flow category has not been computed for this gauge, for example due to insufficient historical data or no current streamflow estimates.
Streamflow Conditions
Value Map Hex Color Description
Low #ff0000 Record Low Estimated streamflow is the lowest value recorded at this gauge on this day of the year. Learn more.
Much Below #b12121 Much Below Normal ( Estimated streamflow is in the 0–10th percentile of historical streamflow values recorded at this gauge on this day of the year. Learn more.
Below #ffa400 Below Normal (10th–25th Percentile) Estimated streamflow is in the 10th–25th percentile of historical streamflow values recorded at this gauge on this day of the year. Learn more.
Normal #00ff00 Normal (25th–75th Percentile) Estimated streamflow is in the 25th–75th percentile of historical streamflow values recorded at this gauge on this day of the year. Learn more.
Value Map Hex Color Description
Above #40dfd0 Above Normal (75th–90th Percentile) Estimated streamflow is in the 75th–90th percentile of historical streamflow values recorded at this gauge on this day of the year. Learn more.
Much Above #0000ff Much Above Normal (>90th Percentile) Estimated streamflow is in the 90th–100th percentile of historical streamflow values recorded at this gauge on this day of the year. Learn more.
High #000000 Record High Estimated streamflow is the highest value ever measured at this gauge on this day of the year. Learn more.
Not Ranked #ffffff Not Ranked A flow category has not been computed for this gauge, for example due to insufficient historical data or no current streamflow estimates.
Predicted Inches of Precipitation
Range Map Hex Color Description
0 - 0.01 #ffffff Less than 0.01 inch
0.01 - 0.1 #7fff00 0.01 to 0.1 inch
0.1 - 0.25 #00cd00 0.1 to 0.25 inch
0.25 - 0.5 #008b00 0.25 to 0.5 inch
0.5 - 0.75 #104e8b 0.5 to 0.75 inch
0.75 - 1 #1e90ff 0.75 to 1 inch
1 - 1.25 #00b2ee 1 to 1.25 inches
1.25 - 1.5 #00eeee 1.25 to 1.5 inches
1.5 - 1.75 #8968cd 1.5 to 1.75 inches
Range Map Hex Color Description
1.75 - 2 #912cee 1.5 to 2 inches
2 - 2.5 #8b008b 2 to 2.5 inches
2.5 - 3 #8b0000 2.5 to 3 inches
3 - 4 #cd0000 3 to 4 inches
4 - 5 #ee4000 4 to 5 inches
5 - 7 #ff7f00 5 to 7 inches
7 - 10 #cd8500 7 to 10 inches
10 - 15 #ffd700 10 to 15 inches
15 - 20 #ffff00 15 to 20 inches
20 - #ffaeb9 More than 20 inches
Probability of Below-Normal Precipitation
Range Map Hex Color Description
33% - 40% #f0d493 33%–40% Chance of Below Normal There is an 33%–40% chance of below-normal precipitation during this period. 
40% - 50% #d8a750 40%–50% Chance of Below Normal There is an 40%–50% chance of below-normal precipitation during this period. 
50% - 60% #bb6d33 50%–60% Chance of Below Normal There is an 50%–60% chance of below-normal precipitation during this period. 
60% - 70% #9b5031 60%–70% Chance of Below Normal There is an 60%–70% chance of below-normal precipitation during this period. 
70% - 80% #934639 70%–80% Chance of Below Normal There is an 70%–80% chance of below-normal precipitation during this period. 
80% - 90% #804000 80%–90% Chance of Below Normal There is an 80%–90% chance of below-normal precipitation during this period. 
90% - 100% #4f2f2f >90% Chance of Below Normal There is a >90% chance of below-normal precipitation during this period. 
Probability of Above-Normal Precipitation
Range Map Hex Color Description
33% - 40% #b3d9ab 33%–40% Chance of Above Normal There is an 33%–40% chance of above-normal precipitation during this period. 
40% - 50% #94cd7e 40%–50% Chance of Above Normal There is an 40%–50% chance of above-normal precipitation during this period. 
50% - 60% #48ae38 50%–60% Chance of Above Normal There is an 50%–60% chance of above-normal precipitation during this period. 
60% - 70% #3a7b5f 60%–70% Chance of Above Normal There is an 60%–70% chance of above-normal precipitation during this period. 
70% - 80% #008e40 70%–80% Chance of Above Normal There is an 70%–80% chance of above-normal precipitation during this period. 
80% - 90% #28553d 80%–90% Chance of Above Normal There is an 80%–90% chance of above-normal precipitation during this period. 
90% - 100% #285517 >90% Chance of Above Normal There is a >90% chance of above-normal precipitation during this period. 
Probability of Near-Normal Precipitation
Range Map Hex Color Description
33% - 40% #d7d7d7 33%–40% of Near Normal There is an 33%–40% chance of near-normal precipitation during this period. 
40% - 50% #a2a2a2 40%–50% of Near Normal There is an 40%–50% chance of near-normal precipitation during this period. 

27
percent of streamflow sites are below normal
15
percent of streamflow sites are above normal
0
percent of the Colorado River Basin has below-normal precipitation probability this month
59
percent of the Colorado River Basin has above-normal precipitation probability this month
Soil Moisture in Colorado River Basin

20 cm Soil Moisture Percentile
Range Map Hex Color Description
0 - 2 #730000 0–2nd Percentile Soil moisture at 20cm depth is in the bottom 2% (0–2nd percentile) of historical measurements for this day of the year. 
2 - 5 #e60000 2nd–5th Percentile Soil moisture at 20cm depth falls between the 2nd to 5th percentile of historical measurements for this day of the year.
5 - 10 #e69800 5th–10th Percentile Soil moisture at 20cm depth falls between the 5th to 10th percentile of historical measurements for this day of the year. 
10 - 20 #fed37f 10th–20th Percentile Soil moisture at 20cm depth falls between the 10th to 20th percentile of historical measurements for this day of the year.
20 - 30 #fefe00 20th–30th Percentile Soil moisture at 20cm depth falls between the 20th to 30th percentile of historical measurements for this day of the year.
30 - 70 #c8c8c8 30th–70th Percentile Soil moisture at 20cm depth falls between the 30th to 70th percentile of historical measurements for this day of the year.
Range Map Hex Color Description
70 - 80 #aaf596 70th–80th Percentile Soil moisture at 20cm depth falls between the 70th to 80th percentile of historical measurements for this day of the year. 
80 - 90 #4ce600 80th–90th Percentile Soil moisture at 20cm depth falls between the 80th to 90th percentile of historical measurements for this day of the year.
90 - 95 #38a800 90th–95th Percentile Soil moisture at 20cm depth falls between the 90th to 95th percentile of historical measurements for this day of the year. 
95 - 98 #145a00 95th–98th Percentile Soil moisture at 20cm depth falls between the 95th to 98th percentile of historical measurements for this day of the year. 
98 - 100 #002673 98th–100th Percentile Soil moisture at 20cm depth is in the top 2% (98th to 100th percentile) of historical measurements for this day of the year. 
0–100 cm Soil Moisture Percentile
Range Map Hex Color Description
0 - 2 #630f08 0–2nd Percentile Soil moisture at 0–100cm depth is in the bottom 2% (0–2nd percentile) of historical measurements for this day of the year. Learn more.
2 - 5 #da2d20 2nd–5th Percentile Soil moisture at 0–100cm depth falls between the 2nd to 5th percentile of historical measurements for this day of the year. Learn more.
5 - 10 #de7a2e 5th–10th Percentile Soil moisture at 0–100cm depth falls between the 5th to 10th percentile of historical measurements for this day of the year. Learn more.
10 - 20 #f6b573 10th–20th Percentile Soil moisture at 0–100cm depth falls between the 10th to 20th percentile of historical measurements for this day of the year. Learn more.
20 - 30 #ffff66 20th–30th Percentile Soil moisture at 0–100cm depth falls between the 20th to 30th percentile of historical measurements for this day of the year. Learn more.
30 - 70 #c8c8c8 30th–70th Percentile Soil moisture at 0–100cm depth falls between the 30th to 70th percentile of historical measurements for this day of the year. Learn more.
Range Map Hex Color Description
70 - 80 #c3f7b2 70th–80th Percentile Soil moisture at 0–100cm depth falls between the 70th to 80th percentile of historical measurements for this day of the year. Learn more.
80 - 90 #78f573 80th–90th Percentile Soil moisture at 0–100cm depth falls between the 80th to 90th percentile of historical measurements for this day of the year. Learn more.
90 - 95 #37d23c 90th–95th Percentile Soil moisture at 0–100cm depth falls between the 90th to 95th percentile of historical measurements for this day of the year. Learn more.
95 - 98 #0fa00f 95th–98th Percentile Soil moisture at 0–100cm depth falls between the 95th to 98th percentile of historical measurements for this day of the year. Learn more.
98 - 100 #3c83e8 98th–100th Percentile Soil moisture at 0–100cm depth is in the top 2% (98th to 100th percentile) of historical measurements for this day of the year. Learn more.

Historical Conditions for the Colorado River Basin

U.S. Drought Monitor
Value Map Hex Color Description
D0 #ffff00 D0 - Abnormally Dry Abnormally Dry (D0) indicates a region that is going into or coming out of drought, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. View typical impacts by state.
D1 #fcd37f D1 – Moderate Drought Moderate Drought (D1) is the first of four drought categories (D1–D4), according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. View typical impacts by state.
D2 #fa0 D2 – Severe Drought Severe Drought (D2) is the second of four drought categories (D1–D4), according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. View typical impacts by state.
D3 #e60000 D3 – Extreme Drought Extreme Drought (D3) is the third of four drought categories (D1–D4), according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. View typical impacts by state.
D4 #730000 D4 – Exceptional Drought Exceptional Drought (D4) is the most intense drought category, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. View typical impacts by state.

The U.S. Drought Monitor (2000–present) depicts the location and intensity of drought across the country. Every Thursday, authors from NOAA, USDA, and the National Drought Mitigation Center produce a new map based on their assessments of the best available data and input from local observers. The map uses five categories: Abnormally Dry (D0), showing areas that may be going into or are coming out of drought, and four levels of drought (D1–D4). Learn more.

Drought in the Colorado River Basin

Reliance on Colorado River Water Resources

The Colorado River provides water to almost 40 million people in two countries, seven states, 29 federally recognized Indian tribes, and 4 million acres of farmland. According to a University of Arizona study, the Colorado River supports $1.4 trillion in annual economic activityequivalent to 1/12th of total U.S. gross domestic productand 16 million jobs in Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming. Since 2000, historically dry conditions have added stress to the Colorado River’s already over-allocated water resources.

Story Map: Drought in the Colorado River Basin

Since 2000, the Colorado River basin has been experiencing a historic, extended drought that has impacted regional water supply and other resources, such as hydropower, recreation, and ecological goods and services services.

Learn more about the current 16-year drought and its effects on the Colorado River basin through this story map, which was created by the U.S. Geological Survey and the Bureau of Reclamation.

Colorado Basin River Forecast Center

View river, snow, and reservoir conditions; forecasts of temperature, precipitation, water supply and peak flows; soil moisture conditions and other data, maps, and tools for the Colorado River through the National Weather Service Colorado Basin River Forecast Center (CBRFC).

The CBRFC is responsible for monitoring and forecasting climate conditions for the entire Colorado River basin and the Great Basin, covering an area of 303,450 square miles.

Colorado River Interim Guidelines and the Drought Contingency Plan

Since 2008, Lake Mead and Lake Powell have been operated in accordance with the 2007 Record of Decision for the Colorado River Interim Guidelines for Lower Basin Shortages and the Coordinated Operations for Lake Powell and Lake Mead. The Guidelines define operating procedures during drought and low reservoir conditions to minimize shortages in the Lower Colorado basin and avoid the risk of curtailment in the Upper Colorado basin. These Guidelines remain in effect through 2025. In advance of negotiating new Guidelines, in 2020 the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation issued a report on an assessment of effectiveness of the Guidelines. A key conclusion of the report was that “increasing severity of the drought necessitated additional action to reduce the risk of reaching critically low elevations in Lakes Powell and Mead.”

In addition, to reduce the risk of Lake Powell and Lake Mead declining to critically low levels, in December 2017, the U.S. Department of the Interior called on the seven Colorado River basin states to put drought contingency plans in place before the end of 2018. Congress approved the plan submitted by the states of Arizona, California, Colorado, Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming as the Colorado River Drought Contingency Plan Authorization Act on April 16, 2019.

Lake Mead showing low water levels