Colorado Mountain Snow Hits Record Low, Raising Drought Concerns

Hydrologists warn that the state's worst snowpack since 1941 could worsen water shortages in the drought-stricken US West.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 9:18am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Colorado just experienced its lowest snowpack on record since 1941, with mountain snow accumulations peaking a month early and containing only half the average moisture. Hydrologists say this is a clear sign that water shortages could worsen the ongoing drought in the region, as cities impose water-use restrictions and ranchers struggle to feed and water their cattle. The lack of snow is already impacting water supplies and raising the threat of devastating wildfires.

Why it matters

The record-low snowpack in Colorado's mountains is a major concern, as the mountain snow is a crucial source of water for the drought-stricken Western US. With less snow, there will be less runoff to replenish rivers, reservoirs, and groundwater supplies, exacerbating the ongoing water crisis. This could lead to further water restrictions, agricultural challenges, and increased wildfire risk across the region.

The details

Hydrologist Maureen Gutsch of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service confirmed that Colorado just had its worst snowpack since record-keeping began in 1941. The mountain snow accumulations peaked a month early and contained only half the average moisture. This is leading to early snowmelt, dry conditions, and concerns about water supplies and wildfire risk. Ranchers in Colorado's mountain valleys are already feeling the impacts, with less snow to feed their pastures and ponds. Water managers in cities like Salt Lake City and Denver have announced voluntary and mandatory water restrictions in response to the low snowpack.

  • In late March 2026, Colorado experienced its worst snowpack on record since 1941.
  • The mountain snow accumulations peaked a month early in 2026.
  • In early April 2026, Denver set a new high temperature record for March at 87°F (30°C).

The players

Maureen Gutsch

A hydrologist with the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service who confirmed Colorado's record-low snowpack.

Philip Anderson

A retired teacher and rancher in Colorado's North Park valley, who has experienced past droughts and is concerned about the impacts of the current dry conditions.

Jo Stanko

A rancher on the Yampa River in Colorado who has been watering her parched meadow earlier than ever and is considering buying hay to feed her cattle.

Becky Mitchell

The Colorado River negotiator for Colorado, who has stated that the state's cities, farmers, and ranchers already use far less water than they are entitled to under existing agreements.

Nathan Elder

The water supply manager for Denver Water, who said the city is 7-8 feet (2-2.4 meters) of snow short of where it needs to be.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“We love being out here. We love being in the snow, taking these measurements. This year, it's kind of hard to enjoy it because it's slightly depressing with the conditions that we've seen.”

— Maureen Gutsch, Hydrologist

“I've never seen it so warm so early and no snow all winter long.”

— Philip Anderson, Rancher

“Hay's always a good investment, you know, because it might be really expensive.”

— Jo Stanko, Rancher

“When there is less, we use less. This is not voluntary and no one gets paid as a result.”

— Becky Mitchell, Colorado River Negotiator for Colorado

“We're 7 to 8 feet (2 to 2.4 meters) of snow short of where we need to be. It would take a tremendous amount of snow to recover at this point, so it's time to turn our attention to preserving what we have.”

— Nathan Elder, Water Supply Manager, Denver Water

What’s next

Water managers in the region are continuing to negotiate new rules for managing the Colorado River during the ongoing drought. Failure to reach an agreement could lead to the dispute going to court. Cities and towns are also implementing water-use restrictions to try to conserve limited supplies.

The takeaway

The record-low snowpack in Colorado's mountains is a stark reminder of the severity of the drought in the Western US. This will likely lead to further water shortages, agricultural challenges, and increased wildfire risk across the region, underscoring the urgent need for long-term solutions to manage scarce water resources.