Precipitation

Precipitation map of Colorado

In Colorado, precipitation can occur as rain, snow, or less frequently, hail. The amount of precipitation that occurs in Colorado varies from season-to-season,

In Fort Collins, April, May, and June are the wettest months and December, January, and February are the driest months. In Steamboat Springs, December and January are the wettest months and July and August are the driest months.

from place-to-place,

The average yearly precipitation in Colorado is 17 inches. In contrast, the San Luis Valley and parts of south central Colorado receive an average of less than 12 inches of precipitation each year while many mountainous regions receive an average of 40 inches of precipitation or more each year.

and from year-to-year.

Year-to year variation in precipitation is the rule for Colorado, causing cities concern over water management. Dry land farmers and even farmers of irrigated land may be seriously influenced by this variation. Ski resorts are critically dependent upon winter precipitation.

Drought may occur in Colorado on a large scale, like the drought that caused the dust bowl of the 1930's. Drought may also be confined to a region so small that only the local citizens are aware of the drought. Drought may last for months or years. The drought of 1977 is recognized as the driest single year on record in most basins.

Sources:

Siemer, Eugene G. Colorado Climate. Colorado Experimental Station, 1977. Colorado Experimental Station, 1977.

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