Colorado Snowpack Hits Record Low, Threatening Denver's Water Supply

State climatologist warns of unprecedented drought conditions as mountain snowpack plummets to just 22% of normal levels.

Apr. 3, 2026 at 3:27pm

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A sweeping, atmospheric landscape painting in muted tones of gray, blue, and white, depicting a snow-covered mountain range partially obscured by heavy fog, conveying a sense of the overwhelming power and fragility of nature in the face of extreme weather conditions.As Colorado's snowpack reaches historic lows, the looming threat of water scarcity casts a somber shadow over the state's iconic mountain landscapes.Denver Today

Colorado's mountain snowpack, which supplies much of the drinking water for the Denver metropolitan area, has dropped to the lowest level ever recorded, raising serious concerns about summer water supplies across the Front Range. The state climatologist has reported that the statewide average water equivalent stored in snow measured just 3.1 inches as of April 1, less than 40% of the previous record low in 2012.

Why it matters

Denver and surrounding communities rely heavily on snowmelt from the South Platte, Colorado, and Arkansas river systems to fill their reservoirs. With this historic low snowpack, water managers are bracing for potential conservation orders and restrictions as they prepare for a challenging summer drought season.

The details

An intense late-March heat wave rapidly accelerated the snowpack collapse, with temperatures reaching 99 degrees in eastern Colorado. The state climatologist noted that much of Colorado experienced a full week of March temperatures exceeding any previously recorded March highs over the past 75 years.

  • On April 1, the statewide average water equivalent stored in snow measured just 3.1 inches.
  • In 2012, the previous record low year, the water equivalent was 9.1 inches on April 1.

The players

Russ Schumacher

Colorado's state climatologist who issued the annual April 1 water outlook showing the historic low snowpack levels.

Denver Water

The major water utility serving the Denver metropolitan area, which is bracing for potential conservation orders and restrictions due to the drought conditions.

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What they’re saying

“It's now safe to conclude that this has been the worst year for Colorado snowpack in recorded history.”

— Russ Schumacher, Colorado State Climatologist

What’s next

Denver Water and other Front Range utilities are expected to release updated water supply outlooks and potential restriction frameworks in the coming weeks as they prepare for the summer drought season.

The takeaway

This historic low in Colorado's snowpack levels underscores the growing threat of climate change and the need for long-term water conservation strategies to ensure the sustainability of Denver's water supply, especially as extreme weather events become more frequent.