AGRICULTURAL SUMMARY: Seasonal moisture during February improved the outlook in areas across the state, according to the Mountain Regional Field Office of the National Agricultural Statistics Service, USDA.

According to the U.S Drought Monitor, 63 percent of the State was showing no signs of drought, up from 42 percent at the end of January. Under 4 percent of the State is in a state of severe drought, down from almost 7 percent at the end of January.

Conditions in the south-central area of the State improved, with areas of Alamosa, Conejos, Costilla, and Rio Grande counties no longer under extreme drought conditions. Snow events brought above average moisture conditions across the eastern portion of the State, while western counties and the high country primarily experienced below average moisture throughout the month of February.

Northwestern counties were experiencing warmer than average temperatures, with areas of Moffat and Rio Blanco Counties realizingtemperatures more than 6 degrees above normal. Reporters noted snowpack in the area is average, with warmer temperatures having melted snow and created issues with mud.

Northeastern and east central counties received more than 200 percent of normal moisture in February, with most of the area receiving more than an inch of moisture.

Southwestern counties received varying amounts of moisture in February, with totals ranging from a quarter an inch to more than 5 inches in the high country. Reporters noted the conditions the last few weeks depleted topsoil moisture, but winter moisture has improved subsoil moisture conditions.

Snowpack in the area remains below average and is currently 89 percent of median snowfall. Snowstorms during February in San Luis Valleyimproved moisture conditions, but most of the area remains moderate or severe drought according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.

According to county reports, livestock remained in good condition, with calving and lambing starting off well.

Statewide, winter wheat condition declined, with 56 percent of the crop rated good to excellent, compared with 63 percent good to excellent from the previous report, and 29 percent good to excellent last year.

As of February 26, 2024, snowpack in Colorado was 94 percent measured as percent of median snowfall.

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