With the exception of a handful of snowstorms, Colorado Springs saw a fairly dry 2024, with less than a quarter-inch of precipitation in the final month of the year, according to the National Weather Service in Pueblo.

Total snowfall for the year was 58.6 inches, but most of that came from a handful of snowstorms, the biggest of which took place in November, the weather agency said. A slow-moving storm system settled over Colorado Springs on Election Day and blanketed the city with 21.6 inches of snow, according to NWS meteorologist Mike Nosko.

“We had a couple of snowstorms in February and March that were over 10 inches as well,” Nosko said. “But the main one, the one with the biggest snowfall, was in November.”

According to the National Water and Climate Center, much of the state’s Front Range is at or above snowpack amounts for this point in the winter. The Arkansas River Basin, which includes Colorado Springs, is currently at 103% of the median snowpack for the start of January.

The snowstorm helped relieve drought conditions in the southeast portion of the state after an abnormally warm summer and fall. Moisture conditions in El Paso County and surrounding areas remain normal, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor.

Total moisture for the year was 16.13 inches, just a little over the average of 15.9 inches, he said. December saw 0.17 inches of precipitation, which was slightly below average.

“December is actually one of our drier months,” Nosko said. “So that’s actually not as bad as it sounds.”

January is expected to bring warmer-than-average temperatures and minimal rain, so residents are advised to exercise fire precautions, according to the Colorado Springs Fire Department.

On Dec. 30, a grass fire near North Circle Drive and Galley Road scorched about two acres and put nearby homes at risk. The blaze, which CSFD crews put out in about 20 minutes, was caused by a discarded cigarette, officials said.

“We have been talking about the winds and Red Flag Warnings for several days,” CSFD said in a social media post. “Please be fire smart so we can keep our community safe.”