Colorado Snowpack Plummets to Record Lows, Impacting Southwestern Region

Severe drought conditions and record-breaking heat waves exacerbate water scarcity in the Colorado River Basin

Apr. 5, 2026 at 5:52pm

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Colorado is experiencing its lowest statewide snowpack levels since record-keeping began in 1941, with the southwestern region of the state particularly hard hit. Snowpack in the San Miguel-Dolores-Animas-San Juan River Basin and the Gunnison River Basin is at just 19.5% and 23% of median levels respectively, leading to severe drought conditions and straining water resources that feed the Colorado River.

Why it matters

The severe drought and lack of snowpack in Colorado's southwestern region is having a major impact on the Colorado River Basin, which supplies water to over 40 million people across seven states. This water scarcity is forcing agricultural operations like the Ute Mountain Ute Farm and Ranch Enterprise to drastically cut water usage and scale back planting, with broader implications for the region's economy and environment.

The details

Colorado's statewide snowpack is currently at just 26% of the median, about a quarter of what the state typically has this time of year. In the southwestern part of the state, conditions are even more dire, with the San Miguel-Dolores-Animas-San Juan River Basin at 19.5% of median snowpack and the Gunnison River Basin at 23%. This lack of snowmelt is severely straining the Colorado River, a critical water source for the region. The situation has been exacerbated by a recent 'heat dome' that blanketed the southwestern U.S., setting numerous daily temperature records in Colorado.

  • Colorado experienced its warmest winter on record in 2026.
  • The Colorado Drought Task Force was last activated in 2020 due to severe drought conditions.
  • In late March 2026, teens were observed jumping into the low-level Navajo Reservoir, which was about 60% full and 50 feet below full pool.

The players

Simon Martinez

The general manager of the Ute Mountain Ute Farm and Ranch Enterprise in Towaoc, Colorado.

Hardy Tozer

A livestock manager for the Ute Mountain Ute Farm and Ranch Enterprise.

Jared Polis

The governor of Colorado who activated the state's drought response through the Colorado Department of Natural Resources.

Dan Gibbs

The executive director of the Colorado Department of Natural Resources.

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What they’re saying

“We will be all right.”

— Simon Martinez, General Manager, Ute Mountain Ute Farm and Ranch Enterprise

“At least cattle prices are good right now.”

— Simon Martinez, General Manager, Ute Mountain Ute Farm and Ranch Enterprise

“The Drought Task Force allows us to bring together experts from across the state to share information and better understand how drought is impacting communities across Colorado.”

— Dan Gibbs, Executive Director, Colorado Department of Natural Resources

What’s next

The Colorado Drought Task Force will continue to monitor the situation and coordinate the state's drought response efforts, including working with local communities and industries to mitigate the impacts of the severe water scarcity.

The takeaway

The record-low snowpack and ongoing drought in Colorado's southwestern region is a stark reminder of the growing challenges posed by climate change and the critical importance of sustainable water management practices to ensure the long-term resilience of communities and ecosystems in the Colorado River Basin.