Colorado Faces Potential Water Restrictions Due to Low Snowpack

State water officials warn of wide-ranging consequences from drought in the mountains

Feb. 3, 2026 at 11:15pm

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Colorado's mountain snowpack is at record-low levels, with statewide snowpack only around 55% of normal for this time of year. This has led to low reservoir levels and concerns about water availability for agriculture, cities, and ecosystems later in the year. Water officials are urging residents to prepare for the possibility of water restrictions and to take steps to reduce water use.

Why it matters

The drought in Colorado's mountains could have far-reaching impacts beyond just affecting ski conditions. Low snowpack means reduced runoff across major watersheds, which could lead to water restrictions and shortages for agriculture, cities, and the environment downstream. This highlights the vulnerability of Colorado's water supply to drought conditions.

The details

According to Denver Water, statewide snowpack was only around 55% of normal as of early February, with the South Platte basin at a record-low 43% of normal. Even if the state sees normal snowfall for the rest of the winter, officials say it would require some of the biggest storms on record to make up the deficit. Reservoir levels are also below average, currently around 81% compared to the typical 86% at this point in the season.

  • As of early February 2026, Colorado's statewide snowpack was only around 55% of normal.
  • The South Platte basin snowpack was at a record-low 43% of normal in early February 2026.
  • Dillon Reservoir did not freeze over until January 26, 2026, the second-latest freeze date in the lake's history.

The players

Nathan Elder

Denver Water's manager of water supply.

Jay Adams

Denver Water employee who noted Dillon Reservoir's late freeze as a sign of unusually warm, dry conditions.

Denver Water

The water utility serving the Denver metropolitan area.

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What they’re saying

“We should have been building snowpack, and we were just seeing these long lulls of no storms and no snowpack accumulation.”

— Nathan Elder, Denver Water's manager of water supply (CBS News)

“If we get normal snowpack accumulation going forward, we might get to maybe 70% of normal by late April. To get back to normal, we would need to see the most snow that we've ever seen.”

— Nathan Elder, Denver Water's manager of water supply (CBS News)

“People needed to be aware that this situation was really concerning ... our snowpack was at its lowest ever to start out February.”

— Nathan Elder, Denver Water's manager of water supply (CBS News)

What’s next

Local water managers said residents should prepare for the possibility of water restrictions later in the year. Denver Water officials encouraged households to reduce indoor water use by installing low-flow showerheads and toilets, checking for leaks, and planning landscape changes that fit Colorado's dry climate.

The takeaway

The drought in Colorado's mountains could have far-reaching consequences beyond just affecting ski conditions, potentially leading to water restrictions and shortages for agriculture, cities, and the environment. This highlights the vulnerability of Colorado's water supply to drought and the need for residents to use water wisely and prepare for potential restrictions.