DENVER – Drought conditions in some areas of Colorado have slightly improved after recent snowstorms left drifts deeper than previously predicted, but the state is still 98.5% in drought, weather officials said.

The latest national drought monitor report, which was made public on Thursday by the University of Nebraska, said snowstorms last week pushed some regions across the Front Range out of “extreme” drought and down to “severe” drought, the two worst categories, The Colorado Sun reported.

A previous report had downgraded much of the San Luis Valley from “moderate” drought to “abnormally dry.”

Brian Fuchs, the author of the report and a climatologist with the National Drought Mitigation Center, said some parts of the state have been drier than average for multiple years. He also said this time last year, 45% of the state was in drought, none of which was classified in the worst two categories.

The current drought condition is attributed to an earlier-than-average snowmelt last year, a lack of summer monsoons and a warm, dry fall season. Officials believe less snow this winter will exacerbate conditions.

“If it took a number of years to get into drought, what will it take over the next several years to come out of drought?” Fuchs said.

Assistant State Climatologist Becky Bolinger said spring is believed to be the state’s snowiest time of year, but current models for the next few months are not encouraging.

“One winter can be prepared for, and that’s why we have reservoirs and that’s why we monitor this. A winter like this, where we came in already struggling is definitely going to be a bigger concern,” Bolinger said.

The state has already activated parts of its drought contingency plan, and cities in the Front Range that are not seeing much snow are being warned they may need to start cutting back on water use.