drought

An exceptionally dry winter across the Four Corners is stressing trees. Experts say watering during warm, snow-free days can help roots stay healthy into spring.

After last weekend’s storm, snowpack improved across the Upper Colorado Basin, but levels remain below average, keeping water outlooks uncertain for spring and summer.

A new UN University report says the world is using water faster than nature can replace it, leaving billions water-insecure and calling for a new global water agenda.

The proposals range from taking "no action" to a scenario that might result in water cuts to the lower basin states of California, Nevada and Arizona. One alternative developed in partnership with conservation groups would incentivize states and water users to proactively conserve the river.

Warm temperatures and a lack of snow have made for an anomalous winter in the Upper Colorado River Basin. While it's not "the new normal," winters are certainly warming up due to climate change.

The Upper Arkansas Basin in the central part of the state is currently the driest, with about 49% of the normal snowpack.

Drought and steady demand along the Colorado River are draining the nation's second-largest reservoir. Land that was once submerged is now full of beavers and thriving ecosystems.

Recent rains have eased the worst drought conditions in western Colorado after one of the hottest, driest summers on record. While exceptional drought has retreated, severe to extreme drought lingers across much of the Western Slope, with flash floods adding new risks.

About 65% of the Western U.S. is in drought, with Lake Mead and Lake Powell below one-third full. Experts warn the region may face a deeper water crisis without multiple strong snow seasons.

Yale's Climate Opinion Maps now include questions asking Americans about specific extreme weather events like wildfires and floods and how they relate to climate change. More than other Mountain West states, Colorado residents link climate change to these severe weather events.