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Snowpack Lowest In Colorado Since Deadly 2012 Wildfire Season

DENVER (CBS4) - After a dry and warm March the snow in Colorado's mountains is melting fast.

As of March 31, the statewide snowpack was 72 percent of normal, down two percent in just 24 hours.

April 2015 will start off with the lowest numbers in three years.

Many will never forget the year of 2012, which brought devastating wildfires, including Waldo Canyon and High Park.

High Park Fire
An image from Copter4 on June 22 (credit: CBS)
Waldo Canyon Fire
Diana Webb took this photo on June 26 when the Waldo Canyon Fire exploded.

While there is still time for snow to accumulate in the mountains, the window of opportunity is closing fast.

In a typical year the state will reach peak snow accumulation around April 9.

But some years can bring an extended period where snow will accumulate into early May, much like we saw in 2013.

(credit: CBS)(credit: CBS)

According to the U.S. Drought Monitor Colorado is drying out.

About 52 percent of the state is experiencing drought conditions.

Mount Evans
Mount Evans on April 1, 2013 (credit: CBS)

That number is more than double what it was just three months ago.

The long range forecast from NOAA's Climate Prediction Center continues to call for the potential to see a wetter-than-normal spring across much of the state.

While the dry and mild weather during March has been enjoyable, we need a cooler and more active pattern to set up for the month of April to get things back on track.

There is a bit of good news in the current 5-Day Forecast as a weather system gets set to move into Colorado late Wednesday.

It promises to bring a decent chance of rain and snow to much of the state.

Wildfire Resources

- Visit CBSDenver.com's Living With Wildfire section.

Wildfire Photo Galleries

- See images from the most destructive wildfires (Black Forest, Waldo Canyon, High Park and Fourmile) and largest wildfire (Hayman) in Colorado history.

Meteorologist Chris Spears writes about stories related to weather and climate in Colorado. Check out his bio or follow him on Twitter @ChrisCBS4.

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