Denver Water Warns of Record Low Colorado Snowpack

Utility serving 1.5 million people says current snowpack levels are critical for water supply.

Feb. 11, 2026 at 8:47pm

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Denver Water, which serves 1.5 million people in the Denver metro area, is sounding the alarm about record low snowpack levels in the Colorado River Basin and South Platte River Basin. The utility says the snowpack it relies on for 90% of its water supply is currently sitting at just 55% and 42% of normal levels, respectively, putting the region's water supply at serious risk.

Why it matters

Colorado's snowpack is critical not just for Denver Water's supply, but also for the state's ski industry, tourism, and broader water needs. With snowpack at record lows this early in the season, there are growing concerns about potential water shortages and drought conditions if the state doesn't see a major turnaround in snowfall in the coming months.

The details

Denver Water conducts monthly measurements of snowpack levels in the high country that feed into its reservoirs. The utility's latest measurements in January showed the Colorado River Basin at just 55% of normal, and the South Platte River Basin at a mere 42% - both all-time lows according to Denver Water's records. The utility says it is currently 4-5 feet behind its seasonal snowpack goals.

  • Denver Water conducts monthly snowpack measurements during the winter.
  • The utility's January 2026 measurements showed record low snowpack levels.

The players

Denver Water

A public utility that provides water to 1.5 million people in the Denver metro area, relying on snowpack for 90% of its water supply.

Todd Hartman

A spokesperson for Denver Water who expressed concern over the current low snowpack levels.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Denver Water relies on snowpack for about 90% of our water supply. It's absolutely critical for us.”

— Todd Hartman, Denver Water spokesperson

“The Colorado River Basin in our collection system is at about 55%, and the South Platte River basin in our collection area is at about 42%, which is an all-time low as far as we know from our records going back.”

— Todd Hartman, Denver Water spokesperson

What’s next

Denver Water is hoping for a major turnaround in snowfall in the coming months to help replenish the critically low snowpack levels.

The takeaway

The record low snowpack levels in Colorado are a serious concern for Denver Water and the region's broader water supply. If the state doesn't see a significant increase in snowfall soon, it could lead to potential water shortages and drought conditions that would impact the local economy and environment.