Colorado’s snowpack continues to deteriorate, increasing concerns about water availability as the state heads toward spring and summer.
According to the latest data, statewide snowpack levels fell from 57% of average last week to 55% of average this week, continuing a downward trend that has water managers watching conditions closely.
Snowpack varies significantly by region. The North Platte Basin currently has the strongest snowpack in the state at 66% of average. Meanwhile, the Arkansas River Basin is reporting the lowest snowpack statewide at just 47% of average.
Low snowpack levels in the Arkansas River Basin could have far-reaching impacts, particularly for agriculture, recreation, and municipal water supplies across southern Colorado. Officials say continued dry conditions could affect reservoir levels and streamflows later in the year if trends do not improve.
State and local water managers are expected to continue monitoring snowpack conditions closely in the coming weeks.
