Colorado's Snowpack Crisis Threatens Water Supply
Colorado is facing its worst snowpack year on record, leading to dire forecasts for the Colorado River water supply. The Rocky Mountains experienced minimal snowfall, risking the driest conditions in history, which could impact major reservoirs and water supply for central Arizona. Research scientist Nels Bjarke warns that the chances of recovery are diminishing, while climatologist Dave DuBois highlights increased wildfire risks and potential livestock feed shortages. This situation raises significant concerns for the region's water security.
Coverage
- First reported: @CIG_telegram
- Most detailed: @CIG_telegram
- Total sources: 1
- Created: 2026-04-10 19:39:49 CEST
- Updated: 2026-04-10 19:39:54 CEST
Timeline
- @CIG_telegram · 1 messages 📷 2026-04-10T17:39:11+00:00
Media
Source Messages
⛰️ 🇺🇸 🏞 Colorado’s worst snowpack year on record
The latest forecasts for Colorado River water supply are strikingly poor, and the impacts of a dry winter on the region are starting to come into sharp, upsetting focus.
Wide swaths of the Rocky Mountains saw meager snowfall, setting the region on course for the driest conditions in recorded history.
That shortage could threaten major reservoirs, dams and the water supply for central Arizona. About 85% of the Colorado River starts as mountain snow, largely in Colorado, Utah and Wyoming.
“The notion that a wet April, May, June, might save us is quickly leaving the building,” said Nels Bjarke, a research scientist with the Western Water Assessment. “There is a possibility that we could experience the driest or historical low flows on record.”
Dave DuBois, the New Mexico state climatologist, said those dry conditions would have widespread consequences such as enhanced wildfire risk. He said ranchers may be forced to cut their herds because of limited ability to grow cattle feed.
https://www.kjzz.org/science/2026-04-07/dismal-depressing-and-seriously-dry-low-snow-threatens-colorado-river-water-supply
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The latest forecasts for Colorado River water supply are strikingly poor, and the impacts of a dry winter on the region are starting to come into sharp, upsetting focus.
Wide swaths of the Rocky Mountains saw meager snowfall, setting the region on course for the driest conditions in recorded history.
That shortage could threaten major reservoirs, dams and the water supply for central Arizona. About 85% of the Colorado River starts as mountain snow, largely in Colorado, Utah and Wyoming.
“The notion that a wet April, May, June, might save us is quickly leaving the building,” said Nels Bjarke, a research scientist with the Western Water Assessment. “There is a possibility that we could experience the driest or historical low flows on record.”
Dave DuBois, the New Mexico state climatologist, said those dry conditions would have widespread consequences such as enhanced wildfire risk. He said ranchers may be forced to cut their herds because of limited ability to grow cattle feed.
https://www.kjzz.org/science/2026-04-07/dismal-depressing-and-seriously-dry-low-snow-threatens-colorado-river-water-supply