| 2022-06-15 | summer | 0 | New fire restrictions for parts of Colorado | New fire restrictions for parts of Colorado’s Front Range and Western Slope have been enacted as the fire danger increases. Boulder County implemented Stage 1 fire restrictions for unincorporated western parts of the county. Clear Creek County has taken a similar action, and Stage 1 restrictions also took effect in Ouray, San Miguel and Montrose counties.
The Bureau of Land Management’s Gunnison and Uncompahgre field offices enacted Stage 1 restrictions as well, affecting Delta, Gunnison, Montrose, Ouray, San Juan, San Miguel and portions of Hinsdale and Saguache counties.
The Denver Post (Colo.), June 15, 2022 |
| 2021-10-27 | fall | 0 | Dry conditions affecting pastures, wheat emergence in Northeast, East central Colorado | Spotty emergence of winter wheat in northeast and east central Colorado remained a primary concern due to dry conditions. Stand quality varied throughout the districts. High winds were noted. Pasture and range conditions continued to deteriorate due to lack of moisture.
Kiowa County Press (Eads, Colo.), Nov 16, 2021
In northeastern and east central counties, spotty emergence of winter wheat remained a primary concern due to dry conditions. Pasture and range conditions continued to deteriorate due to lack of moisture. Weaning activities were almost complete for area livestock producers.
Kiowa County Press (Eads, Colo.), Nov 9, 2021
In northeast and east central Colorado, pasture conditions continued to deteriorate due to lack of moisture. Livestock producers continued weaning activities and were actively culling older or open cows. Dusty conditions also adversely affected livestock. Winter wheat was emerging better in some areas compared to others, but moisture was greatly needed.
Kiowa County Press (Eads, Colo.), Oct 27, 2021 |
| 2021-10-13 | fall | 0 | Winter wheat emerged unevenly in northeast, east central Colorado | In northeastern and east central Colorado, a dry week allowed good harvest progress. Seeding of winter wheat was nearly complete in areas, but uneven emergence remained a primary concern due to dry topsoil. Livestock producers continued weaning activities. Supplemental feed was being provided in areas due to poor pasture conditions.
Kiowa County Press (Eads, Colo.), Oct 13, 2021 |
| 2021-09-05 | fall | 0 | Grain sorghum did not head out in Kiowa County, Colorado | Kiowa County crops were mostly in good condition, but some grain sorghum failed to head out, due to heat and dry weather.
Kiowa County Press (Eads, Colo.), Sept 8, 2021 |
| 2021-08-29 | summer | 0 | Short feed supplies, increased fire activity in Northwest Colorado | Elevated fire activity was observed in Northwest Colorado, and feed supplies remained very short.
Kiowa County Press (Eads, Colo.), Aug 31, 2021 |
| 2021-08-29 | summer | 0 | Unirrigated crops declining quickly in Northeast Colorado | Unirrigated crops in Northeast Colorado continued to decline quickly without consistent rain. Low soil moisture ahead of fall planting was a concern, but producers continued preparation for winter wheat seeding. Hot, dry weather hurt pasture and rangeland conditions, leading some producers to seek other grazing arrangements to supplement.
Kiowa County Press (Eads, Colo.), Aug 31, 2021 |
| 2021-08-29 | summer | 0 | Irrigation supplies short in Southeast Colorado | Irrigation supplies were minimal in Southeast Colorado.
Kiowa County Press (Eads, Colo.), Aug 31, 2021 |
| 2021-07-20 | summer | 0 | Cattle being culled heavily in Northwest Colorado | Northwest Colorado ranchers were culling cattle heavily due to drought and short feed supplies. Hay production was lower than normal, whether irrigated or not.
Kiowa County Press (Eads, Colo.), July 20, 2021 |
| 2021-07-20 | summer | 0 | Rangeland dry in Colorado's San Luis Valley | San Luis Valley rangeland was beginning to dry up and needed moisture if it is to support cattle grazing.
Kiowa County Press (Eads, Colo.), July 20, 2021 |
| 2021-06-15 | summer | 0 | Potato emergence spotty, feed supplies short in Colorado's San Luis Valley | Emergence in some potato fields was spotty in the San Luis Valley. Livestock producers were preparing to turn stock out on summer pasture permits, but feed supplies remained very short. Lower river water levels and availability of irrigation were concerns.
The Prowers Journal (Lamar, Colo.), June 15, 2021 |
| 2021-06-14 | summer | 0 | Western Colorado livestock producers shipping cattle out | Some ranchers in western Colorado were shipping livestock to better pasture or selling them. Water supplies were at historic lows or stopped, due to poor runoff, as dry soil soaked up all moisture.
Pasture production was down considerably, making maybe 25% of normal, according to a Saguache County rancher.
The Colorado Sun (Denver), June 14, 2021 |
| 2021-05-30 | spring | 0 | Concern for crops, extremely low reservoirs in east central Colorado | Drought persisted in the western counties of east central Colorado. Crops progressed, but there were serious concerns for those crops. Local reservoirs were extremely low.
The Prowers Journal (Lamar, Colo.), June 3, 2021 |
| 2021-05-16 | spring | 0 | Some winter wheat lost in northeast, east central Colorado | Winter wheat in northeast and east central Colorado benefited from moisture, but was lost in some areas where prior poor emergence was not recoverable. Native grass growth was slow in some areas.
The Prowers Journal (Lamar, Colo.), May 18, 2021 |
| 2021-05-09 | spring | 0 | Winter wheat stands in Northeast Colorado | Concerns remained for poorer winter wheat stands in Northeast Colorado that suffered due to prior dryness and wind. Native grass growth was slow and livestock producers continued to delay turnout.
The Prowers Journal (Lamar, Colo.), May 11, 2021 |
| 2020-07-21 | summer | 0 | Stage 1 fire restrictions in Larimer County, Colorado | Larimer County commissioners approved stage 1 fire restrictions for unincorporated parts of the county through Aug. 31.
Coloradoan (Fort Collins, Colo.), July 21, 2020 |
| 2020-07-17 | summer | 0 | Stage 2 fire restrictions in Grand County, Colorado | At the recommendation of the Grand County sheriff, Grand County entered Stage 2 fire restrictions on Aug. 13 after being in Stage 1 restrictions for nearly a month. No open fires or the use of charcoal grills were allowed at campgrounds or private residences.
Sky-Hi News (Granby, Colo.), Aug. 11, 2020 |
| 2020-07-15 | summer | 0 | Stage 2 fire restrictions in several Colorado ranger districts | The U.S. Forest Service enacted Stage 2 fire restrictions for the San Carlos, South Platte, Pikes Peak and South Park ranger districts due to extreme drought conditions.
Ag Journal (La Junta, Colo.), July 15, 2020 |
| 2020-07-14 | summer | 0 | Stage 1 fire restrictions in national forests in Larimer County, Colorado | The U.S. Forest Service imposed Stage 1 fire restrictions in the Canyon Lakes Ranger District of the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests and Pawnee National Grassland. Stage 2 restrictions were imposed in other counties.
Coloradoan (Fort Collins, Colo.), July 14, 2020 |
| 2020-06-18 | summer | 0 | Voluntary water conservation in Evergreen, Colorado | A stage 1 drought was declared for Evergreen, due to the low flow of Bear Creek. Residents were asked to voluntarily conserve water and limit lawn watering to certain hours.
Evergreen Canyon Courier (Colo.), June 18, 2020 |
| 2020-05-07 | spring | 0 | Campfires prohibited in Colorado's national forests | With April being among the driest in recorded history for Colorado, snowpack was melting quickly. Fire danger was rising, and campfires and charcoal fires were prohibited in national forests throughout the state, due to coronavirus concerns.
Associated Press (N.Y.), May 7, 2020 |
| 2020-05-03 | spring | 0 | Dry pastures in northeast Colorado | Northeastern Colorado livestock producers were concerned about dry pasture conditions. Livestock were being moved to summer pasture, but stocking rates were reduced in some areas.
Kiowa County Press (Eads, Colo.), May 5, 2020 |
| 2020-01-30 | winter | 0 | Soil blowing, winter wheat needed moisture in eastern Colorado | Due to dry conditions in eastern Colorado, topsoil was blowing and winter wheat needs more moisture before green-up.
High Plains/Midwest Ag Journal (Dodge City, Kan.), Jan. 30, 2020 |
| 2020-01-01 | winter | 0 | Bark beetle infestation expanded in Colorado in 2020 | Spruce beetles continued to devastate Colorado’s trees in 2020 as severe drought weakened the trees and aided the spread of beetle infestations, which affect about 80 percent of state forests. The beetle-killed trees provide more fuel for wildfires, according to foresters.
FOX21News.com (Colorado Springs, Colo.), Feb. 18, 2021 |
| 2019-08-29 | summer | 0 | Fire restrictions in Colorado's Arapaho, Roosevelt National Forests | The dry conditions led the Forest Service on Aug. 29 to enact stage 1 fire restrictions in the Arapaho and Roosevelt National Forests in Boulder, Gilpin, Clear Creek and Park counties.
KCNC-TV CBS 4 Denver (Colo.), Aug. 30, 2019 |
| 2019-04-04 | spring | 0 | Water conservation urged in Mesa County, Colorado | As reservoirs levels remained low in Mesa County, water customers were urged to continue to conserve water.
The Grand Junction Sentinel (Colo.), April 4, 2019 |
| 2019-01-01 | winter | 0 | Some northern Colorado golf courses closing temporarily | Some golf courses in northern Colorado were closing temporarily as the warm, dry winter drew more golfers out on the courses, increasing the wear, which can lead to higher maintenance costs in the spring. Many municipal courses in the Fort Collins area were open, while some private ones had closed or had restrictions on cart use. Fort Collins Country Club and Ptarmigan Country Club were closed, while Windsor, Highland Meadows and Mountain Vista Golf Course had cart restrictions.
The warm, dry conditions also allowed some golf courses to bring in record revenue and rounds in January.
Fort Collins Coloradoan (Colo.), Feb. 1, 2019 and Greeley Daily Tribune (Colo.), April 10, 2019 |
| 2018-09-21 | fall | 0 | Denver Water drawing heavily on reservoir in Summit County, Colorado | The water level of Lake Dillon Reservoir in Summit County continued to fall, revealing sandbars on the lakebed. Denver Water has had to take extra water from the reservoir to meet demand, which could result in drought restrictions next year, stated Denver Water spokeswoman Stacy Chesney.
KDVR-TV Fox 31 Denver (Colo.), Sept. 21, 2018 |
| 2018-09-18 | fall | 0 | Fall color arrived early in Colorado | Tree leaves were turning color early across Colorado and the Roaring Fork Valley, due to drought stress.
Aspen Public Radio (Colo.), Sept. 18, 2018 |
| 2018-08-30 | summer | 0 | Scarcity, cost of hay forcing Colorado horse owners to surrender horses | High hay prices were making it harder for a horse rescue organization in Franktown to buy hay to keep horses fed. Poor hay yields were responsible for the price increase as farmers got fewer cuts of hay. Rather than one to two horse surrenders per month, the rescue was getting two to three calls daily.
KDVR-TV FOX 31 Denver (Colo.), Aug. 30, 2018 |
| 2018-07-23 | summer | 0 | Drought stressing trees in Denver, Colorado | Drought stress was causing trees in the Denver area to turn yellow prematurely and even drop their leaves.
KUSA-TV NBC 9 Denver (Colo.), July 23, 2018 |
| 2018-07-22 | summer | 0 | Colorado anglers urged to fish early and at higher elevations | Anglers in Colorado were urged by Colorado Parks and Wildlife to fish early in the day and to fish rivers and streams at higher elevations. The reasons for the plea was that the drought reduced the amount of flowing water and elevated the temperature of the water. Warmer water holds less oxygen, which stresses the fish. CPW encouraged anglers to fish in reservoirs in state parks.
Montrose Daily Press (Colo.), July 22, 2018 |
| 2018-07-14 | summer | 0 | River closed to all activity in Littleton, Colorado | The South Platte River in Littleton was closed to all activity, due to extremely low flow in the river, exposing much of the riverbed. The flow was 20 cubic feet per second, or about 5 percent of normal. Normal flow for this time of year can range from 100 to 500 cfs. Officials wanted to avoid damage to the riverbed.
The Denver Post (Colo.), July 12, 2018 |
| 2018-06-29 | summer | 0 | Stricter fire regulations in central and western Colorado | The White River National Forest was in stage II fire restrictions, prohibiting all outdoor fires even in established campgrounds. Area counties including Pitkin, Eagle, Summit and Garfield have also enacted stage II restrictions. The stricter regulations were needed, due to the dry vegetation and dry forecast.
Aspen Times & Aspen Times Weekly (Colo.), June 29, 2018 |
| 2018-06-14 | summer | 0 | Colorado River unboatable in north Colorado | The Colorado River east of Glenwood Canyon was declared to be unboatable on the weekend of June 9-10 after the flow of the Colorado River below the Roaring Fork River confluence fell below 4,000 cubic feet per second and remained around 3,200 to 3,400 cubic feet per second on June 14. The historical 50-year mean was around 10,300 cfs for that week.
Glenwood Springs Post Independent (Colo.), June 14, 2018 |
| 2018-04-24 | spring | 0 | Water restrictions in Steamboat Springs, Colorado | Steamboat Springs water providers announced Stage 2 water restrictions took effect, meaning that lawn watering was only permitted on certain days. During the winter, snowfall was below average. On Buffalo Pass, the snowpack was below 80 percent for much of the winter, but improved to 91 percent of average.
Steamboat Today (Colo.), April 24, 2018 |
| 2018-01-08 | winter | 0 | Uncertain irrigation supplies complicates crop planning for farmers in southeastern Colorado | The lack of snowpack has farmers in southeastern Colorado in a quandary when it comes to ordering seed because they are unsure of how much water they might have for irrigation.
FOX21News.com (Colorado Springs, Colo.), Jan. 8, 2018 |
| 2018-01-01 | winter | 0 | Intense fire season in northwest Colorado driven by high temperatures, drought | Extreme heat and drought drove northwest Colorado’s worst fire season in recent years. More than 200 fires scorched 169 square miles in Moffat, Rio Blanco, Routt, Jackson and Grand counties in 2018. The area burned in 2018 was more than twice that burned in 2017 and more than in any fire season in the past 20 years.
The Denver Post (Colo.), Nov. 11, 2018 |
| 2017-12-13 | winter | 0 | Warm, dry weather brings need for lawn watering in Denver, Colorado | Denver parks workers aerated grass at the Civic Center and watered the lawn to help it endure the 65-day dry spell that finally ended with a thin layer of snow. Warm temperatures have also kept plants and grass green at a time of year when they would normally be brown and dead.
Denver Post (Colo.), Dec. 13, 2017 |
| 2017-11-01 | fall | 0 | Snow drought reduced visits to Colorado ski resorts | Early season skier visits to Colorado resorts were down 11 to 13 percent in comparison with the previous year, due to low snow conditions, resort operators observed. Colorado Ski Country USA, representing 23 resorts, reported 13 percent fewer visits at its member operations through Dec. 31, as reported in The Aspen Daily News on Jan. 13. Another ski operator, Vail Resorts, reported that visits were down 10.8 percent at its North American ski areas, including four in Colorado, through Jan. 8.
Fort Collins Coloradoan (Colo.), Jan. 14, 2018 |
| 2017-07-12 | summer | 0 | Hungry, thin bears breaking into homes in Aspen, Colorado | While chokecherries and service berries were not yet sprouting, hungry bears in the Aspen area to the upper Fryingpan River Valley were making do by raiding homes and trash cans in search of something edible, as hot, dry weather limited the bears’ food options. One trapped yearling was found to weigh just 35 pounds, when it ought to have tipped the scales at about 100 pounds.
Aspen Daily News (Colo.), July 12, 2017 |
| 2017-06-22 | summer | 0 | Stage 1 fire restrictions in Mesa County, Colorado | Hot, dry windy weather and a spate of fires led officials with the Mesa County Sheriff’s Office, Grand Junction Fire Department and Bureau of Land Management to enact stage 1 restrictions. Open burning and fireworks were prohibited. Through June 22, the Grand Junction Fire Department responded to six brush fires and eight structure fires.
Grand Junction Sentinel (Colo.), June 22, 2017 |
| 2016-07-12 | summer | 0 | Ban on open fires in unincorporated Larimer County, Colorado | A ban on open fires in unincorporated Larimer County was extended by county commissioners as hot, dry weather continued. Open campfires were prohibited unless enclosed in permanent fixtures. Smoking was forbidden, as was the use of incendiary devices, including tracer and exploding ammunition.
Fort Collins Coloradoan (Colo.), Sept. 10, 2016
Fire restrictions for unincorporated Larimer County took effect on July 12 and forbade open fires in non-permanent enclosures and the use of fireworks. County commissioners voted unanimously for the restrictions due to hot, dry weather and the presence of large wildfires elsewhere in the state.
Fort Collins Coloradoan (Colo.), July 13, 2016 |
| 2015-09-29 | fall | 0 | Denver officials exploring possibility of storing water in deep wells | Denver Water officials were investigating the feasibility of drilling deep wells to store water below ground until the water is needed during a drought.
Denver Post (Colo.), Sept. 29, 2015 |
| 2015-09-24 | fall | 0 | Dry, warm weather led to burn bans in several Colorado counties | The dry, warm weather spurred several Colorado counties to adopt fire restrictions. A report from KCNC-TV stated that Larimer County, Boulder County along and west of Highway 36, unincorporated Arapahoe County, including the City of Centennial and Cherry Creek State Park and Gilpin County have burn bans.
Grand Junction Sentinel (Colo.), Sept. 24, 2015 |
| 2015-09-24 | fall | 0 | Fire restrictions in Jefferson, Clear Creek counties in Colorado | Open burning was prohibited in Jefferson and Clear Creek counties, due to the dry conditions developing in the state.
The Denver Post (Colo.), Sept. 24, 2015 |
| 2015-09-15 | fall | 0 | Grazing permit decision on the Canyons of the Ancients National Monument in Colorado delayed | Managers of the Canyons of the Ancients National Monument delayed a grazing permit decision because a coalition of environmental groups protested grazing on the Flodine and Yellow Jacket grazing allotments on the monument. Protesters claim that grazing is not compatible with the monument’s mission to safeguard ancient ruins and want the two allotments permanently closed to grazing. They also want additional range analysis that figures in drought conditions. Although the land has not been grazed since 2005, protesters feel that the land has not yet recovered from drought and would lead cheat grass to be the dominant vegetation, rather than native grasses.
Durango Herald (Colo.), Oct. 4, 2015 |
| 2014-01-23 | winter | 0 | Some of the native grasses in Eastern Colorado have died | Some of the native grasses in Eastern Colorado have died as that part of the state endures three years of drought, according to the public policy director for the Colorado Farm Bureau. Colorado tends to get substantial precipitation in March and April.
9NEWS.com (Denver, Colo.), Jan. 23, 2014 |
| 2012-06-06 | summer | 0 | Voluntary water restrictions in Thornton, Colorado | Voluntary water conservation was urged in Thornton since a meager snowpack and a warm spring depleted the community’s water supply. Denver Post (Colo.), June 6, 2012 |
| 2012-05-21 | spring | 0 | Bears entered Boulder, Federal Heights, Colorado in search of food | A bear wandered into Boulder and another one into Federal Heights this spring in search of food, possibly signaling that a greater number of bears will enter residential areas for food this year. Since drought was affecting much of the state, food supplies may be tight for bears this year. KCNC-TV CBS 4 Denver (Colo.), May 21, 2012 |
| 2012-05-17 | spring | 0 | A drought task force in Colorado requested that the governor increase the response level for the Colorado, Gunnison and Yampa-White river basins | A drought task force in Colorado requested that the governor increase the response level for the Colorado, Gunnison and Yampa-White river basins. This year the snowpack in Colorado was the lowest in the past 10 years and precipitation forecasts through July were not encouraging. Grand Junction Sentinel (Colo.), May 17, 2012 |
| 2012-05-17 | spring | 0 | Low snowpack closed some Colorado ski resorts early | Some ski resorts in Colorado shut their doors early and roads closed for the winter reopened earlier than usual due to the diminished snowpack. The statewide snowpack was 10 percent of normal on May 17. Anchorage Daily News (Alaska), May 17, 2012 |
| 2012-05-14 | spring | 0 | Northern Colorado Water Conservancy District to offer substantial amount of water, due to dry conditions | The Northern Colorado Water Conservancy District officials stated that the district will supply share owners with a large amount of water, given the dry conditions. The district will also offer 5,600 acre-feet of water to area farmers who would like to rent the water. Fort Collins Coloradoan (Colo.), May 14, 2012 |
| 2012-05-05 | spring | 0 | Drought kept flowering plants from blooming well in Denver, Colorado | Drought kept flowering plants from blooming well in the Denver area. Some daffodils did not bloom, while camassia bloomed only a little. The Denver Post (Colo.), May 5, 2012 |
| 2012-05-01 | spring | 0 | More stringent summer water restrictions in Denver, Colorado | Denver Water ratcheted up their regular summer water restrictions that began May 1 to encourage residents to conserve more water since the snowpack was thin. Summer restrictions normally allow residents to water lawns up to three times weekly, but the tighter restrictions permit outdoor watering just twice weekly for a slightly shorter duration. Irrigation is recommended only for areas that need it. The Denver Post (Colo.), May 1, 2012. Stage one water restrictions remained in effect after a warm, dry fall. The state's snowpack was 41 percent of normal for late November. KWGN-TV CW 2 Denver (Colo.), Nov. 30, 2012 |
| 2012-04-25 | spring | 0 | Voluntary water conservation urged in Denver, Colorado | Meager snowfall this winter moved Denver Water to ask water customers to reduce water use outdoors by watering no more than twice per week and for a slightly shorter duration. Denver Parks and Recreation aimed to reduce its water use by 10 percent. Denver Post (Colo.), April 25, 2012 |
| 2012-04-10 | spring | 0 | Water users in Denver, Colorado asked to conserve water | Customers of Denver Water were asked to conserve water in the face of reduced snow runoff from the Colorado and South Platte river basins. Denver Water was trying to get a permit to increase the size of Gross Reservoir and make the most of its recycled water plant to provide water for parks and commercial areas. Denver Post (Colo.), April 10, 2012 |
| 2012-04-05 | spring | 0 | Cattle producers in La Plata County, Colorado have sold substantial portions of their herds over the past two years | Cattle producers in La Plata County have sold substantial portions of their herds over the past two years as drought dried up hay production and water supplies. One ranching couple sold half of their herd; another rancher sold 25 to 30 percent of his herd; and another rancher sold about 20 percent of his herd.
They must purchase hay because their parched fields cannot produce enough for the livestock. In 2013, ranchers had to feed their cattle longer than usual because pasture production was down. Some of the hay fields were cut just once, while others were not cut at all. As if ranchers were not having enough trouble, grasshoppers were problematic, too.
Grazing permits issued by the federal government were restricted in 2013, due to the drought and the need to protect the land from overgrazing. As a result, ranchers could keep their cattle on federal land for fewer days or in fewer numbers or both. Some ranchers had no choice but to sell cattle early.
Water supplies have been depleted also. Water tables were dropping and springs were going dry, leaving ranchers, particularly in the western part of the county, struggling to care for their livestock.
Durango Herald (Colo.), April 5, 2014 |
| 2012-03-01 | spring | 0 | Grazing lands stressed from drought in southwestern Colorado | Grazing lands in the San Juan National Forest and other public lands have suffered from dry conditions since spring 2012, did not receive moisture in the fall of 2012 to regrow roots and remain stressed in the spring of 2013, stated the rangeland management program leader with the San Juan National Forest. Heavy grazing in 2012 further stressed the grazing lands, meaning that these areas cannot produce as much forage, which will lead to a shortened grazing season for a smaller number of cattle in 2013. Many stock ponds and drainages that normally have water are dry. Durango Herald (Colo.), May 20, 2013 |
| 2011-08-23 | summer | 0 | Colorado governor seeks federal disaster declaration for Douglas, Elbert counties | The governor of Colorado sought federal disaster declarations for an additional two counties, Douglas and Elbert, due to drought. In recent months, 17 counties in southern Colorado have received disaster declarations. The 17 counties are Alamosa, Baca, Bent, Chaffee, Conejos, Costilla, Crowley, Custer, Fremont, Huerfano, Kiowa, Las Animas, Otero, Prowers, Pueblo, Rio Grande and Saguache. The co-chairwoman for the Colorado Water Availability Task Force stated that the drought has impacted Conservation Reserve Program lands, too, so that grazing on the land isn’t as beneficial as intended. Some ranchers in southern Colorado have chosen to sell their livestock rather than purchase expensive hay to sustain them through the drought. The Durango Herald (Colo.), Aug. 23, 2011 |
| 2011-01-01 | winter | 0 | Twelve counties in Colorado received federal disaster declarations | A dozen counties in Colorado were declared to be natural disaster areas by the U.S. Department of Agriculture due to ongoing drought since January 1, 2011. The counties affected by the declaration include Baca, Bent, Chaffee, Crowley, Custer, Fremont, Huerfano, Kiowa, Las Animas, Otero, Prowers and Pueblo counties. This declaration permits affected farmers, ranchers, and other agricultural producers to apply for low-interest emergency loans from the Farm Service Agency. Denver Post (CO), July 13, 2011 and the USDA's Farm Service Agency website. |
| 2011-01-01 | winter | 0 | Drought conditions related to suicide rate among farmers in Colorado | Colorado suicide data for the past decade revealed that farmers and agricultural workers were the second highest at-risk population. As drought conditions worsened, the suicide rate increased.
Cronkite News (Phoenix, Ariz.), June 1, 2021 |
| 2010-04-01 | spring | 0 | Drought played a role in oil and gas drilling companies in northern Colorado struggling to pass state inspections | Drought played a role in oil and gas drilling companies in northern Colorado struggling to pass state inspections. The companies must cover the cost of restoring the land when they leave and must remove equipment, restore 80 percent of the previous vegetation and, in some circumstances, remove traces of service roads that were used to get to drilling sites. With drought in the region and no irrigation, many of the oil companies struggled most with restoring plant life. Between April 2010 and August 2012, the Colorado Oil and Gas Conservation Commission (COGCC) made 154 reclamation inspections and failed 66 of the sites. Sometimes it has taken two to three years and reseeding to return a site to near pre-drilling conditions. Northern Colorado Business Report (Colo.), Oct. 5, 2012 |
| 2009-02-09 | winter | 0 | More part-time farmers and ranchers in Pueblo County, fewer full-time ones | The number of full-time farmers and ranchers in Pueblo County declined to 341 after the harsh drought in 2002, down from 454 during 2002. The 2007 Census of Agriculture also found that there are more part-time farmers in Pueblo County since the 2002 drought, 540, up from 347. |
| 2007-01-01 | winter | 0 | Drought shrinks Thunderbird Lake | Thunderbird Lake in Admiral Arleigh Burke Memorial Park in Boulder has been shrinking, due to drought. People residing near the lake asked Boulder officials in 2007 to address the vanishing lake and the odor from the decaying vegetation. The city has tried several options to remedy the problem and is still considering other options. |