Colorado governor declares drought after light snowpack

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(The Center Square) - Colorado has declared a statewide emergency with all 64 counties experiencing a drought.

Gov. Jared Polis' recent announcement of the emergency comes after an unusually light snowpack, which has depleted the state’s water reserves.

“Today I am issuing a statewide drought emergency to support Coloradans, our economy, farmers and ranchers, and outdoor enthusiasts in the face of one of the most severe droughts in Colorado’s recorded history,” said Polis in a press release.

“With every county in the state experiencing drought conditions, activating Phase 3 of our Drought Response Plan allows us to better coordinate agencies, prepare for worsening conditions, and support Colorado communities, agriculture, water users, and our environment," Polis said. "State agencies will do their part to reduce water usage at state facilities, and I strongly encourage every Coloradan to use water wisely.”

Colorado’s record-low snowpack from January through May 1 has been coupled with record-high temperatures that have pushed water runoff earlier into the year. Water runoff from May through July of this year is forecast to be only 21-37% of the median, according to the Colorado Water Conservation Board.

Colorado's snowpack for 2026 peaked unusually early in March this year, with only 51% of the usual peak snowpack from other years.

Three-fourths of the state's counties are seeing severe to exceptional drought conditions early into summer, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. The lower-than-usual snowpack means these areas are more likely to continue to see drier-than-usual weather through the warmer months.

As in much of the West, Colorado’s snowpack is a crucial water source through the summer. An estimated 70% of annual streamflow in the state comes from snowpack, according to a report in the Advancing Earth and Space Sciences journal.

“This means that the traditional spring rhythms that drive some of our state’s economy and culture – planting crops, recreational boating and fishing, and raising livestock – are now completely out of sync with the timing of our runoff,” water conservation board spokesperson Katie Weeman said, answering The Center Square's questions by email. “The gradual snowmelt that historically delivered water throughout the summer has largely disappeared.”

As a result, Polis in March activated the state’s Drought Task Force – a group of leaders from water-intensive state agencies such as the Department of Agriculture, Department of Natural Resources and Division of Homeland Security. The last time the task force convened was in 2020.

Since March, Colorado’s drought has continued to worsen.

Last week, Polis declared a drought emergency and initiated Phase 3 of the state’s drought response plan, which allows the governor to ask for a federal disaster declaration. 

The Governor’s Office did not respond to The Center Square when asked if it would request a federal disaster declaration. 

But the state did say it would not impose water restrictions on residents or industries under the emergency declaration. Instead, officials are encouraging people to be conscious of water use, with the water conservation board adding that cities and counties will be responsible for restrictions.

“What we are seeing today are water supply conditions we would normally expect at least a month from now, and this puts people across the state who rely on water for their businesses, like farmers and ranchers, and fishing and rafting outfitters, in a really tough position,” said Weeman.