Colorado Faces Catastrophic Drought as Winter Snowpack Plummets

Warm, dry conditions and record-low snowpack threaten water supplies, agriculture, and ecosystems across the West

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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This winter has been exceptionally warm and dry in Colorado, with record-high temperatures and snowpack levels at their lowest in decades. Climatologists warn that the lack of snow will lead to severe water shortages, economic impacts on industries like agriculture and recreation, and potential ecological disasters. The situation is part of a broader, long-term drought affecting the entire Western United States.

Why it matters

The West's water crisis has far-reaching consequences, from jeopardizing the region's agricultural productivity and outdoor recreation economy to threatening the viability of entire ecosystems. Colorado's snowpack is a critical water source for the Colorado River basin, which supplies water to over 40 million people across seven states. With reservoirs at historic lows, the stakes are high for finding solutions to this slow-moving catastrophe.

The details

Colorado has seen record-breaking warm temperatures this winter, with Denver reaching 68°F in mid-February. The state's snowpack, which normally provides the majority of its water supply, is currently at just 58% of the long-term median. Climatologists say this is the third-worst snowpack on record, comparable only to the Dust Bowl era. The lack of snow is creating a feedback loop, allowing the mountains to warm even further. Water experts warn that rivers, farms, and ecosystems across the region face devastation if the snowpack does not improve significantly in the coming weeks.

  • Last year closed with the warmest December on record in Colorado.
  • Over the February 15 weekend, Denver set a new record high of 68°F.
  • As of last week, the snow water equivalent in the Colorado River basin was tied for the lowest ever recorded.

The players

John Hickenlooper

A U.S. Senator from Colorado who previously served as the state's governor and mayor of Denver.

Russ Schumacher

The Colorado state climatologist.

Allie Mazurek

A climatologist at the Colorado Climate Center.

Brad Udall

A senior water scientist at Colorado State University and an expert on the Colorado River.

Doug Burgum

The U.S. Secretary of the Interior.

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What they’re saying

“The snowpack is pretty much as large as all of our reservoirs combined. That's why winters like this one are so terrifying.”

— John Hickenlooper, U.S. Senator (Email)

“It's as bad as you think it is.”

— Russ Schumacher, Colorado State Climatologist (Interview)

“At this stage, it is looking almost impossible for us to get back to an average snowpack.”

— Allie Mazurek, Climatologist, Colorado Climate Center (Interview)

“This year, there just isn't going to be any water in these rivers. Or there will be water, but instead of 12 weeks or 16 weeks of water, it will be four weeks of water.”

— Brad Udall, Senior Water Scientist, Colorado State University (Interview)

“A fair compromise with shared responsibility remains within reach.”

— Doug Burgum, U.S. Secretary of the Interior (Press Release)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This winter's catastrophic drought in Colorado and the broader Western U.S. highlights the urgent need to address the region's long-term water challenges. Policymakers, water managers, and communities must work together to find sustainable solutions that protect vital water supplies, agricultural production, and fragile ecosystems in the face of a changing climate.