Colorado: Governor Polis Activates State Drought Task Force as Low Snow and Record Warmth Intensify Drought Conditions

DENVER ~ Denver, Colorado - As the state of Colorado experiences record-breaking warm temperatures and low snowpack, Governor Jared Polis has taken action by activating the state's Drought Task Force and Phase 2 of the Drought Response Plan. This decision was made based on recommendations from the Water Conditions Monitoring Committee and other partner agencies in order to better understand and address the local, regional, and sector-specific impacts of the worsening drought conditions.

Governor Polis stated, "Colorado is currently facing one of its warmest and driest years in our 131-year record. By activating the Drought Task Force, we are taking necessary steps to protect one of our most precious resources by closely monitoring impacts, supporting communities, and coordinating efforts as we prepare for the year ahead."

The Drought Task Force was last activated in 2020 and consists of senior leadership from key state agencies such as the Colorado Department of Natural Resources, Colorado Department of Agriculture, Department of Local Affairs, and Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Management. This group will assess drought conditions statewide, bring attention to local impacts for state leadership, and can also convene regional or sector-specific workgroups to gather information and share resources.

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Dan Gibbs, Executive Director of the Department of Natural Resources stated, "The Drought Task Force allows us to bring together experts from across the state to share information and better understand how drought is impacting communities across Colorado. By coordinating efforts between agencies and with local partners, we can effectively elevate emerging impacts and ensure that communities have access to necessary information and resources to respond."

The activation of the Drought Task Force is crucial given this year's severe drought conditions. Since October, temperatures have been at their warmest start in a water year according to data from the Colorado Climate Center's 131-year record. Additionally, statewide snow water equivalent levels are currently among the lowest in over four decades. Approximately one-third of Colorado is experiencing severe drought or worse, with extreme and exceptional drought persisting in parts of the Colorado River headwaters region.

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Lauren Ris, Director of the Colorado Water Conservation Board (CWCB), emphasized the importance of understanding that drought impacts communities differently. She stated, "The Drought Task Force helps the state understand where impacts are being felt the most and elevates those local challenges so we can better coordinate response and support communities across Colorado."

The CWCB's Water Conditions Monitoring Committee will continue to track various drought indicators such as snowpack, precipitation, temperature, streamflow, soil moisture, and reservoir storage. If conditions continue to worsen, Governor Polis may move the state into Phase 3 of the Drought Response Plan, which includes an official drought declaration.

As Colorado faces these challenging drought conditions, the activation of the Drought Task Force and Phase 2 of the Drought Response Plan demonstrates a proactive approach by state leadership to address and mitigate potential impacts on communities across the state.

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