The Daily Sun-Up Colorado water and snow levels will bring challenges
Mar 19, 2026
Shannon Mullane, a Colorado Sun water reporter covering drought, snowpack and water management, breaks down the thin mountain snowpack and early melt. She discusses impacts on reservoirs, farms, fisheries and wildfire risk. She outlines state drought responses, municipal water actions and what to watch next for runoff timing and river planning.
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Snowpack At Historic Low Levels
- Colorado's statewide snowpack is about 50–58% of the 30-year norm, the lowest since 1981 and close to 2002 levels.
- Snowpack typically peaks in early April but warm forecasts and early melt mean the season may already have peaked, risking a historically bad year.
State Drought Task Force Activated
- Governor Polis activated the drought task force and phase two of Colorado's drought response plan to assess statewide drought and coordinate agencies.
- If conditions worsen the governor could move to phase three, which includes an official drought declaration to unlock emergency resources.
Low Snowpack Impacts Multiple Systems
- Low snowpack affects reservoirs, fisheries, municipal and agricultural water, and increases wildfire risk, though drinking water is prioritized.
- Reservoir operators rely on autumn carryover water; a short supply reduces cushion for the next season.