2026 July Update

 

July was amazingly HOT! Temperatures in the low 90’s as the lows and highs upper 90’s most of the month. We did however, receive a small amount of rain for the month. The AG Met sensor in Penrose recorded .84 inches of precipitation. In the first four weeks of the month. It is possible according to the weather reports for the final week of July for those numbers to rise.

Our neighbors to the South of us in Custer and Pueblo County experienced a devastating fire with many losing their homes. As the fire continues with only 66% containment as of today. Many local individuals opened their homes to those evacuated and many provided a place for animals that were displaced due to the evacuations. We are thankful to those who assisted in helping during this time of need.

Due to the fire restrictions in place, it was a very quiet 4^th of July with no fireworks. We salute our community in refraining from this annual celebration. The community remained safe without incident.

Currently Fremont County is listed as extreme drought conditions. The creek is low and we are supporting the Penrose Water District with water as a priority. Irrigations are limited to one head of water from Brush Hollow that the ditch riders are sharing to complete 2^nd irrigations. Unfortunately, we may not have continued irrigations unless we receive a significant amount of rain that increases the creek flow into our system.

Please continue to pray for rain. Always be prepared with appropriate rain gear, we may get lucky!

2026 June Update

 

June’s weather didn’t help us with the current drought we are going through. The AG Met sensor in Penrose has only recorded .18 inches of moisture for the month. Unfortunately, all the rain has been North or East of Penrose. Lack of rain has Fremont County listed as severe on the drought monitor.  On a positive note, we did escape the severe damaging hail that those receiving rain had to endure.

As we suspected, our water for irrigation is quickly diminishing. If the weather continues as it has, soon irrigations will not be able to continue. Any water that comes down the creek that isn’t used to provide Domestic Water, may be used for continued irrigations. The process will be slow. However, the ditch riders are prepared to share the water as it is available.

As our Superintendent has been busy monitoring the water and making sure we are using all the irrigation water available. Two of the Board of Directors were out inspecting the pumps used for any irregularities and not in compliance with the written specifications allowed for pumping. It was discovered that several pumps and outlets were not within the specifications required. It was also discovered that pump permits were not in place as required. As a reminder to all pumpers, you must renew pump permits yearly at the beginning of each irrigation season. At this time all pumping from the upper and lower ditches is suspended.

Penrose Water District is asking for volunteer water reductions at this time. We are hopeful that all those who depend on domestic water for drinking and household use are mindful of their water use. Please don’t waste water, it is precious commodity that once it’s gone, we are all going to suffer the consequences.

Please be responsible and pray for rain. We have several individuals that are doing daily rain dances. Join in! Rather than carry an umbrella, don’t. Maybe we might get soaked but that is okay.