It’s no secret that it’s been dry across the West. Colorado, in particular, had a record-breaking low snowpack year, causing Gov. Polis to activate a Phase 1 Drought Task Force in March. Ongoing drought conditions into summer have prompted Gov. Polis to declare a statewide emergency. At the beginning of June, Phase 3 of Colorado’s Drought Response Plan was launched by the Governor.
According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, all 64 Colorado counties are experiencing Abnormally Dry (D0) conditions. Nearly 93% of the state is experiencing Moderate to Extreme drought conditions (D1-D4). Not only is the state facing a lack of snowpack, but it’s also been the warmest water year on record (October 2025 – present). May streamflow forecasts projected runoff of 21-37% of the median across all Colorado river basins. Because of this lack of moisture, the entire state is facing early snowmelt, increased wildfire risk, dwindling river flow, and reduced soil moisture.
Phase 3 of Colorado’s Drought Task Force has departments working together to move and unlock additional resources. It also enables executive action to support communities and agriculture. The lack of water is especially hitting Colorado’s ranching communities. The Department of Agriculture is working to support failing infrastructure within farming and ranching communities.
Most aspects of Colorado’s economy are heavily dependent on moisture. Whether it’s the agricultural industries or the outdoor recreation industries, water is a life source for Colorado’s local economies. Record-breaking low snowpack caused major losses in ski communities. Minimal snow resulted in a reduction of tourism and a loss of income within these tourist-driven communities. According to Colorado Ski Country USA, resort visits fell 20% below the last five and 10-year averages. Most resorts’ monthly snowfall fell far below the last 20-year monthly average. This has a direct correlation to summer-time recreation as well.
- Related: Colorado Ski Visitation Plummets to Lowest Levels Since 1991 Following Historic Warm Winter
Popular rafting sections of Colorado’s riverways are running well below average. The Fraser River in Winter Park, CO, is currently running at 33 cubic feet per second (cfs). It should be closer to 500 cfs this time of year. Both the Colorado River and the Arkansas River, two of the most popular rivers in the state, are nearly past their peak raftable flow rate. Raft outfitters are struggling to get riders in boats, even though low-flow rivers can still be fun. In addition to fewer customers, outfits are having a harder time securing reliable employees, as many are seasonal and choose to find work elsewhere, with more water.
Not only are rivers running lower, but reservoirs like Lake Granby and Green Mountain Reservoir are dangerously low. Denver Water recently drained Antero Reservoir in an effort to preserve water by moving it downstream to Cheesman Reservoir. These low levels of Colorado Reservoirs are directly affecting outdoor recreation and potential income to the state. Dillon Reservoir in Summit County is roughly 80% full, according to Denver Water, Marinas are taking a hit as there’s not enough water to open the slips or boat ramps for the 2026 season. Instead, they are having to adapt by opening additional dry storage, allowing owners to bring their boats to other marinas.
While the forecast is hot and dry for now, there is hope for moisture in Colorado’s future. Meteorologists are forecasting a ‘Super El Niño’ with the potential to affect Colorado’s weather pattern this fall. While an ‘El Niño’ fall and winter doesn’t guarantee drought relief, it does mean the potential for more moisture is on the horizon. It’s time to start those snow dances, everyone.
