{"id":1993721,"date":"2026-06-16T21:17:41","date_gmt":"2026-06-16T18:17:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1993721"},"modified":"2026-06-16T21:17:41","modified_gmt":"2026-06-16T18:17:41","slug":"colorado-drought-officially-declared-as-statewide-emergency","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1993721","title":{"rendered":"Colorado Drought Officially Declared as Statewide Emergency"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Dillon Reservoir, Summit County, 2026 low water year. | Image: CBS News<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
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It\u2019s no secret that it\u2019s been dry across the West.<\/strong> 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\u2019s Drought Response Plan<\/a> was launched by the Governor.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

According to the U.S. Drought Monitor<\/a>, all 64 Colorado counties are experiencing Abnormally Dry (D0) conditions.<\/strong> 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\u2019s also been the warmest water year on record (October 2025 \u2013 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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U.S. Drought Monitor Map Colorado. | Image: US Drought Monitor<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Phase 3 of Colorado\u2019s Drought Task Force has departments working together to move and unlock additional resources.<\/strong> It also enables executive action to support communities and agriculture. The lack of water is especially hitting Colorado\u2019s ranching communities. The Department of Agriculture is working to support failing infrastructure within farming and ranching communities.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Most aspects of Colorado\u2019s economy are heavily dependent on moisture.<\/strong> Whether it\u2019s the agricultural industries or the outdoor recreation industries, water is a life source for Colorado\u2019s 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<\/a>, resort visits fell 20% below the last five and 10-year averages. Most resorts\u2019 monthly snowfall fell far below the last 20-year monthly average. This has a direct correlation to summer-time recreation as well.<\/span><\/p>\n