May was the first full month of severe to extreme drought conditions in western Colorado.  The most intense drought classification, exceptional drought conditions, had developed in the southwest corner of the state by the end of the month.  Low elevation snowpack had already melted throughout the area before May, with many seasonal streams dried up by the end of May.  In May, the drought began to have a major impact on agricultural interests, and to a lesser degree on the outdoor recreation industry.  Perhaps of most importance, the drought created a large potential for major wildfires.  The full extent of the financial impact of the drought will be compiled when the drought situation in this area is considered alleviated. See the June 2002 Storm Data publication for a continuation of the drought situation in western Colorado.

Drought in UPPER GUNNISON RIVER VALLEY, COLORADO
From 01-MAY-02 00:00:00 to 31-MAY-02 23:59:00 (MST)
Reported by: GOVT OFFICIAL

Drought in UPPER YAMPA RIVER BASIN, COLORADO
From 01-MAY-02 00:00:00 to 31-MAY-02 23:59:00 (MST)
Reported by: GOVT OFFICIAL

Drought in WEST ELK AND SAWATCH MOUNTAINS, COLORADO
From 01-MAY-02 00:00:00 to 31-MAY-02 23:59:00 (MST)
Reported by: GOVT OFFICIAL

Drought in CENTRAL YAMPA RIVER BASIN, COLORADO
From 01-MAY-02 00:00:00 to 31-MAY-02 23:59:00 (MST)
Reported by: GOVT OFFICIAL

Drought in DEBEQUE TO SILT CORRIDOR, COLORADO
From 01-MAY-02 00:00:00 to 31-MAY-02 23:59:00 (MST)
Reported by: GOVT OFFICIAL

Drought in ELKHEAD AND PARK MOUNTAINS, COLORADO
From 01-MAY-02 00:00:00 to 31-MAY-02 23:59:00 (MST)
Reported by: GOVT OFFICIAL

Drought in SOUTHWESTERN SAN JUAN MOUNTAINS, COLORADO
From 01-MAY-02 00:00:00 to 31-MAY-02 23:59:00 (MST)
Reported by: GOVT OFFICIAL

Drought in UNCOMPAHGRE PLATEAU AND DALLAS DIVIDE, COLORADO
From 01-MAY-02 00:00:00 to 31-MAY-02 23:59:00 (MST)
Reported by: GOVT OFFICIAL

Drought in ANIMAS RIVER BASIN, COLORADO
From 01-MAY-02 00:00:00 to 31-MAY-02 23:59:00 (MST)
Reported by: GOVT OFFICIAL

Drought in NORTHWESTERN SAN JUAN MOUNTAINS, COLORADO
From 01-MAY-02 00:00:00 to 31-MAY-02 23:59:00 (MST)
Reported by: GOVT OFFICIAL

Drought in PARADOX VALLEY / LOWER DOLORES RIVER BASIN, COLORADO
From 01-MAY-02 00:00:00 to 31-MAY-02 23:59:00 (MST)
Reported by: GOVT OFFICIAL

Drought in GRAND AND BATTLEMENT MESAS, COLORADO
From 01-MAY-02 00:00:00 to 31-MAY-02 23:59:00 (MST)
Reported by: GOVT OFFICIAL

Drought in GRAND VALLEY, COLORADO
From 01-MAY-02 00:00:00 to 31-MAY-02 23:59:00 (MST)
Reported by: GOVT OFFICIAL

Drought in FOUR CORNERS / UPPER DOLORES RIVER BASIN, COLORADO
From 01-MAY-02 00:00:00 to 31-MAY-02 23:59:00 (MST)
Reported by: GOVT OFFICIAL

Drought in ROAN AND TAVAPUTS PLATEAUS, COLORADO
From 01-MAY-02 00:00:00 to 31-MAY-02 23:59:00 (MST)
Reported by: GOVT OFFICIAL

Drought in CENTRAL COLORADO RIVER BASIN, COLORADO
From 01-MAY-02 00:00:00 to 31-MAY-02 23:59:00 (MST)
Reported by: GOVT OFFICIAL

Drought in FLATTOP MOUNTAINS, COLORADO
From 01-MAY-02 00:00:00 to 31-MAY-02 23:59:00 (MST)
Reported by: GOVT OFFICIAL

Drought in GORE AND ELK MOUNTAINS/CENTRAL MOUNTAIN VALLEYS, COLORADO
From 01-MAY-02 00:00:00 to 31-MAY-02 23:59:00 (MST)
Reported by: GOVT OFFICIAL

Drought in LOWER YAMPA RIVER BASIN, COLORADO
From 01-MAY-02 00:00:00 to 31-MAY-02 23:59:00 (MST)
Reported by: GOVT OFFICIAL

Drought in CENTRAL GUNNISON AND UNCOMPAHGRE RIVER BASIN, COLORADO
From 01-MAY-02 00:00:00 to 31-MAY-02 23:59:00 (MST)
Reported by: GOVT OFFICIAL

Drought in SAN JUAN RIVER BASIN, COLORADO
From 01-MAY-02 00:00:00 to 31-MAY-02 23:59:00 (MST)
Reported by: GOVT OFFICIAL