As I write this article, the weather forecast shows a 50 to 80 percent chance of precipitation over the next few days. Wouldn’t that be wonderful?
However, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor, Archuleta County is in a severe drought. In fact, the western United States is in a “mega drought.”
I asked Pagosa Weather their thoughts on our current weather conditions and drought concerns. They shared, “The current snowpack for the Southern San Juans is at just 12%. In addition, the majority of Archuleta County is under extreme drought conditions. Wolf Creek Ski Resort recorded 192” of snowfall, the lowest snowfall since the 1976/1977 season when they recorded just 187.
“April will have above average precipitation between the system at the beginning of the month and a few other weaker systems throughout the month. However, May and June are the driest months of the year. May will be dry and below average. Most of June will be dry till the monsoon sets up towards the end of the month. Follow pagosaweather.org for updates and more information.”
Until our monsoons arrive, Colorado State University (CSU) Extension has a variety of resources for you. For additional information, visit extension.colostate.edu.
One of my favorite resources at this time is The Home Ignition Zoon — a guide to preparing your home for wildfire and creating defensible space developed by the Colorado State Forest Service.
As the document states, homeowners have the ultimate responsibility to proactively prepare their property for wildfire. This guide focuses on actions that you can take that are effective in reducing wildfire hazards on your property. Visit csfs.colostate.edu/wildfire-mitigation/ to take action today.
Growing and maintaining a healthy lawn and garden in Colorado can be difficult even when drought conditions are not present. This spring you are likely concerned about your home landscape and gardens, but there are simple steps you can take to water your plants wisely and efficiently.
Check out our fact sheets that provide helpful information on maintaining a healthy lawn, garden and landscape during a drought:
• extension.colostate.edu/resource/watering-a-home-landscape-during-drought/.
• engagement.source.colostate.edu/landscape-health-during-drought-water-restrictions-colorado/.
• cmg.extension.colostate.edu/Gardennotes/716.pdf.
The Colorado Agricultural Drought Advisors is a network of professionals committed to improving access to technical resources for drought preparation and response among Colorado producers.
Its mission is to build short- and long-term resilience to drought among Colorado producers by working with farmers and ranchers to connect resources, identify/assess risk and implement practices that lessen the impact of drought.
Its website, droughtadvisors.org, offers a drought planning handbook, examples of drought plans, technical resources and more. Contact them today to help support your agricultural goals.
While southwest Colorado continues to experience severe drought conditions, there are many ways you can help protect your property, support our community and care for our beautiful earth. Follow all water use guidelines. Consider sustainable gardening practices. Participate in drought-friendly activities. Perhaps most importantly, educate yourself about best practices during a drought.
Seed potatoes, seed
onions for sale
Seed potatoes and seed onions are for sale. Place your order today for Colorado certified and non-GMO seed potatoes. Five varieties of potatoes are available.
Order by April 30 and pick up your potatoes May 12, 13 and 14 at the CSU Extension Office. Visit archuleta.extension.colostate.edu or call (970) 264-5931to learn more and place your order today.
Learn to can dandelion jelly
Not sure what to do with all those dandelions? Turn them into food. Learn up-to-date canning recommendations, food safety preservation practices, high-altitude adjustments and more on May 15 at 5:30 p.m. at the CSU Extension office. The cost is $25 per person for one jar of jelly. Call (970) 264-5931 to register today.
Be Prepared for an
Emergency workshop
Learn how to prepare for emergencies and protect your land at the Be Prepared for an Emergency workshop with Cindi Galabota, CSU Extension director; Lacy Capre, Archuleta County Public Health outreach specialist; and friends.
The workshop will be at 9 a.m. on May 9 at the CSU Extension Building at 344 U.S. 84. This free workshop will cover the best practices for preparing for and recovery from an emergency.
CPR and first aid classes
CPR and first aid certification classes are offered every other month at the CSU Extension building, generally on the third Monday and Wednesday from 6 to 10 p.m. The cost for the classes is $80 for combined CPR/first aid and $55 for CPR, first aid or recertification. Call the Extension office at (970) 264-5931 to register.
Check out the online option on our website, archuleta.extension.colostate.edu.
Join the fair board
Join the Archuleta County Fair Board and make history. Be a part of preserving the rich heritage and timeless tradition of the Archuleta County Fair and help plan the 75th anniversary Fair in 2026.
You’ll contribute to an annual tradition that brings our community together, supports local agriculture and creates lasting memories for generations to come. To learn more, contact Tonya Steadmon at tsteadmon@archuletacounty.gov or (970) 264-5931.
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