Despite a small reprieve from early April storms delivering 179% of the month's average precipitation, the local desert climate remains in the throws of the drought.
A bout of hail and thunderstorms brought 1.29 inches of rain to Cortez. It was a flash of relief followed by 10 consecutive dry days then smaller amounts of rain last month.
According to Jim Andrus, longtime local weather spotter for National Weather Service, the unpredictable spring so far is characterized by a heatwave in March, where temperatures climbed to 86 degrees, mid-April freezes and a remarkably dry beginning to May.
However, some weather reports and forecasters are closely watching and discussing strong El Niño patterns, which may mean a promising rainfall later this year.
“This is not a drought change. It was just a momentary relief of the drought,” Andrus said.
Montezuma County’s drought rating improved slightly from extreme to severe, following a winter of record warmth for the state. Cortez began implementing voluntary water usage restrictions last month. The city’s mandatory restrictions are set to begin Friday through Sept. 15, prohibiting yard watering from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Mancos is instilling similar rules June 1. Outdoor watering for residents is not allowed between 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Even-numbered addresses can water only on even-numbered days, and likewise, odd-numbered properties can water only on odd-numbered days.
While the precipitation numbers improved, snowpack, which trends at a little over 2 inches for April, was next to nothing. Andrus tallies seasonal snowfall came to about 15 inches since April, which is 45% of the winter seasonal average around 33 inches.
“The lack of snow has reduced the Dolores Basin SNOTEL rating to only 13% of normal. Our low reservoir levels reflect this situation all too well,” Andrus said.
Temperatures for the month were closer to April averages, hovering around the 60s and 70s. The warmest day hit 79 degrees on April 21 and 22, while the lowest nightly temperature was a chilly 19 degrees on April 18. A few freeze watches were in effect last month.
Andrus explained that the fluctuating temperatures, including the freezes, are classically in tune with desert climate patterns.
He described springtime as a running battle between retreating winter and advancing summer.
“Commonly, we have up to 30- to 40-degree differences between day and night,” Andrus said. “That is very common.”
awatson@the-journal.com
