Will Rain This Week End the Drought in Colorado?

It's taken a while, but rain has finally arrived in Northern Colorado, and it is lasting longer than a few minutes or a few hours. For some, it may ruin their week, but the rain is much needed throughout the state. There has been a terrible drought as the winter didn't produce nearly as much snow as normal, and has left many lakes, streams, rivers, and other bodies of water lower than normal. With the rain expected to stick around for much of the week, could this storm be enough to end the drought in Colorado? 

Rain in Colorado

Colorado received snow this winter, as it does every year, but way below the average snowpack, causing a major drought throughout the state. There was a decent amount of snow a couple of weeks ago, and while it helped, that wasn't enough. Could the rain in the forecast be enough to help? Currently, there is rain in the forecast Monday through Friday this week, May 18 through May 22. This is good news heading into Memorial Day weekend and the beginning of summer, as it could help raise the water levels for those looking to go to the lake, rivers, or reservoirs around the state. While the hope is that some heavy rain for nearly a week should end the drought, don't get too excited, as it likely won't be ending anytime soon. 

How Much Rain Does Colorado Need to End the Drought? 

How much rain or snow does the state need to have the drought come to an end? The rain will help this week, but snow is more beneficial, especially in Colorado. The state has experienced 70 to 100 inches less of snow this year than what they typically get, and the lack of runoff is causing major damage to water resources. It will take a good winter of snow to fully replenish what was lost this last year, which means the drought likely will not end with any rainfall this summer. 

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The rain is good and much appreciated, but for what is needed, it isn't enough. Enjoy the rain while it lasts, as your plants, yards, and trees enjoy it, and it saves you needing to water this week, but in terms of what the state needs, it will take time, snow, and patience for the drought to truly end. For more on the drought and what Colorado needs for it to end, make sure to click the link in the paragraph above.