The Lasting Benefits Of Our Recent Gray Weather

Moisture levels are well above average as we head into the month of May. A series of winter-type systems during the second half of April brought Denver's snowfall up to 15.6 inches for the month. This was the seventh month in a row that Denver International Airport recorded more precipitation than normal.

Since October of 2015, our liquid water totals have exceeded every monthly average. Although El Niño conditions are weakening in the Pacific Ocean, year-to-date moisture remains high. Denver's year-to-date moisture is 4.77 inches of water — that's 1.23 inches more than we normally have from January through April. The vast majority of this precipitation has fallen since March 1. If it seems like we've had a wet spring, you're right — 3.79 inches of liquid water has fallen in the past two months.

Heavy snowfall in the months of April and May are especially beneficial because it helps prevent an early fire season. We're expecting a beautiful green-up across the Front Range in the coming weeks thanks to the abundance of moisture.

Even statewide averages are above normal — take a look at the most recent snowpack numbers. When all drainage basins are averaged together, Colorado has 111 percent of normal snow for this time of the year. That's great news for water storage and summer recreation. Notable areas include the North Platte, South Platte, and Colorado River basins with current moisture levels almost 20 percent higher than normal.
 

 

We're forecasting some possible rain and snow for next weekend, but enjoy the mild temps and sunny skies through Thursday.