A Record-Breaking Warmth and a Snowpack in Crisis

Colorado, where this story originates, has experienced its warmest December on record, a staggering 8.9 degrees Fahrenheit above the 1991-2020 average. February brought unseasonable warmth, with residents enjoying T-shirt weather in mid-60s temperatures. But this isn’t merely a pleasant anomaly; it’s a harbinger of disaster. The lack of sustained cold has resulted in critically low snowpack levels, the source of water for rivers feeding reservoirs and farms stretching as far as California.

The snowpack, typically a reliable reservoir of frozen water, is currently at its lowest point in decades. Data from the Snowpack Telemetry Network (SNOTEL) reveals that the snow water equivalent – the amount of water contained within the snowpack – is tied for the lowest ever recorded in the Colorado River basin. This year’s water year is already ranking as the third-worst in recorded history, dating back to the Dust Bowl era.

The Colorado River Compact and a Looming Impasse

This crisis unfolds against the backdrop of expiring agreements governing the Colorado River, a lifeline for seven states, 30 tribal nations, and Mexico. The states missed a crucial deadline to renegotiate the Colorado River Compact, leaving the Bureau of Reclamation poised to impose its own plan – a plan unlikely to satisfy any party involved. Concerns are mounting that political considerations, rather than sound water management, could dictate the outcome, potentially favoring some states over others. As former Colorado Governor John Hickenlooper aptly stated, “The snowpack is pretty much as large as all of our reservoirs combined. That’s why winters like this one are so terrifying.”

The implications are far-reaching. Lake Powell and Lake Mead, the nation’s two largest reservoirs, are already critically low, at 25% and 34% capacity respectively. If water levels at Lake Powell continue to decline, hydroelectric power generation at Glen Canyon Dam is at risk, and the possibility of “dead pool” – a level too low to release water downstream – looms large. In the upper basin, water diversions will be severely curtailed, potentially leaving rivers dry for extended periods.

A Feedback Loop of Warming and Depletion

Climatologists point to a weak La Niña pattern as a contributing factor, but the situation is exacerbated by a dangerous feedback loop. The lack of snow cover allows the mountains to warm more rapidly, further diminishing the snowpack. While a potential shift in weather patterns this week offers a glimmer of hope, experts caution that returning to average snowpack levels is increasingly unlikely.

The long-term consequences extend beyond immediate water shortages. Agriculture, recreation, and entire ecosystems are threatened. Farmers face potential crop failures, ski resorts are already experiencing financial losses, and the risk of wildfires is escalating. What steps can communities take to adapt to a future with less water? And how can we ensure equitable access to this vital resource as the crisis deepens?

The situation demands urgent action and a fundamental shift in how we manage water resources in the West. The future of the region – and potentially the nation – depends on it.

Further information on the Colorado River crisis can be found at the Bureau of Reclamation’s website and the Colorado River District.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Western Water Crisis

• What is snow water equivalent and why is it important?

  Snow water equivalent (SWE) is the amount of water contained within the snowpack. It’s a critical metric for predicting spring and summer runoff, and therefore, water availability. A low SWE indicates a potential water shortage.

• How does the Colorado River Compact impact the current crisis?

  The Colorado River Compact, a century-old agreement, governs how water from the Colorado River is allocated among seven states. Its renegotiation is crucial, but states have failed to reach an agreement, leaving the Bureau of Reclamation to impose its own plan.

• What are the potential consequences of “dead pool” at Lake Powell?

  “Dead pool” refers to a water level in Lake Powell so low that water cannot flow through Glen Canyon Dam. This would halt hydroelectric power generation and severely restrict water delivery to downstream states.

• Is climate change directly responsible for the low snowpack?

  While natural climate patterns like La Niña play a role, climate change is a significant driver of the warming temperatures and altered precipitation patterns contributing to the low snowpack. The warming trend exacerbates the situation.

• What can individuals do to help conserve water?

  Individuals can conserve water by reducing lawn watering, using water-efficient appliances, fixing leaks promptly, and being mindful of their overall water usage. Every drop counts.