This project was undertaken to adapt the Palmer Index model to Colorado. The state was divided into 25 climatic region rather than 5. Comparisons with the original indexes show noticeable differences and considerable small scale detail which previously could not be resolved. With the new small regions it is now reasonable to use contour analysis of Palmer Index values to visually describe local variations in drought severity across Colorado.
Drought, exacerbated by hotter temperatures, declining levels of precipitation, dry soils, and overuse in the Lower Basin have put the state's namesake river - as well as our communities and economies - in peril. In SB23-295, the General Assembly charged the Task Force with providing recommendations for legislation to address drought in the Colorado River Basin and ensure the state can meet its interstate commitments related to the Colorado River and its tributaries. This report details eight recommendations from the Drought Task Force and four recommendations from the Sub-Task force on Tribal Affairs, as well as discussions of additional potential tools and programs to address drought.
