Time Machine Tuesday: Colorado Average Annual Precipitation, 1951-1980

In 1984 the Colorado Climate Center, part of Colorado State University’s Department of Atmospheric Science, conducted a study of the average precipitation trends for Colorado for the years 1951 through 1980.  They found that statewide average precipitation for the period dropped from previous studies. Their report includes maps, graphs, and calculations on factors such as snowpack.  The report also examined changes in precipitation levels in certain areas of the state over time.  For example, Longmont and Greeley became wetter over the study period, while the San Luis Valley became drier.  The information presented in this report can be compared with current and recent years’ precipitation levels available from the Colorado Climate Center.