A Look at the Colorado River and the Ongoing Drought

It's been several months since the last update on the megadrought affecting the Colorado River. While immediate conditions may have shifted, the long-term outlook remains grim. To recap briefly, the Colorado River watershed spans approximately 246,000 square miles, nearly equivalent to Texas. This river is crucial for about 40 million people across seven states and two Mexican states, powering regions as far away as Nebraska through its major dams, Lake Powell and Lake Mead.

The hydrological landscape is categorized into two basins: the Upper Basin, which includes Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah, and the Lower Basin, comprising Arizona, Nevada, and California. Indigenous peoples have inhabited these areas for centuries, but significant exploration by white settlers began with John Wesley Powell's expeditions between 1869 and 1871, leading to the naming of Lake Powell.

Early white settlers, such as Brigham Young and the Mormon pioneers, were among the first to cultivate the region. They utilized local streams to irrigate the arid land of Utah, which eventually contributed to the Colorado.

Recognizing the need for equitable water management, the Colorado Compact was formed in 1928, allocating percentages of river water to each state based on a historically wet era, rather than actual contributions to the river. As a result, states are facing increasing shortages as populations grow, particularly in California and Arizona. The Compact is set to expire in 2026, prompting extensive testing and surveys to create a new water management framework.

Drought conditions have plagued the region since 2000, especially in the Lower Basin, where population growth has outpaced water availability. In 2007, a tiered water management system was introduced to regulate water flow from Lakes Powell and Mead based on their levels. Currently, the river is under a Tier 1 shortage after a particularly wet winter.

Water is quantified in acre-feet, which is the volume needed to cover one acre of land in one foot of water — roughly equivalent to 326,000 gallons. Understanding the Colorado River's flow necessitates a holistic view, as it heavily relies on its tributaries, including the Green River from Wyoming and the Gunnison and Dolores Rivers in Colorado.

The Colorado River: How Will States Learn to Share?

This video discusses the ongoing negotiations and strategies among Western states regarding the equitable distribution of Colorado River water.

The Challenges Facing Wyoming

Wyoming, the second-highest state in the continental U.S. after Colorado, is experiencing rapid warming at its highest elevations. This temperature rise impacts snowmelt, leading to quicker runoff and increased evaporation, which reduces water availability for significant tributaries like the Green River.

Despite the appearance of abundant water resources in Wyoming, portions of the state are classified as abnormally dry, including the headwaters of the Green River. While 2023 marked the wettest summer on record for the state, it does not compensate for two decades of drought. Flaming Gorge Reservoir, the largest on the Green River, has been crucial in maintaining water levels in Lake Powell, releasing large quantities of water during critical drought years.

What the Colorado River Water Use Agreement Means for Western States

In this video, experts analyze the implications of the new water use agreements for Western states reliant on the Colorado River.

Colorado's Role in the River's Future

The Colorado River begins in the Rockies, with its flow significantly influenced by the snowpack in Colorado. Currently, the snowpack is above normal, benefiting from weather patterns like El Niño. However, the state faces its own challenges, with various areas classified as experiencing moderate to extreme drought.

The Upper Basin, especially Colorado, is vital as it is both the initial and final contributor of significant water flow to the river. With the population density increasing in urban areas, particularly in Denver and Colorado Springs, the demand for water from the Colorado is escalating.

Utah's Limited Contributions

As the second driest state, Utah's contributions to the Colorado River are minimal, primarily relying on tributaries like the Green, San Juan, and Virgin Rivers. As demand grows in urban areas like St. George, plans for extensive water projects, such as the Lake Powell Pipeline, are being considered, raising concerns about the lake's sustainability.

New Mexico's Water Needs

New Mexico, while not directly traversed by the Colorado River, plays a crucial role through the San Juan River, which feeds into it. The state is currently suffering from extreme drought conditions, further complicating its reliance on Colorado River water for cities like Albuquerque and Santa Fe.

Conclusion: A Call for Cooperation

The Upper Basin is increasingly viewed as a reservoir for the needs of the Lower Basin. As climate change progresses, the need for collaboration and effective water management becomes ever more critical. With the Colorado Compact nearing expiration, the future allocation of the river's water remains uncertain. The coming chapters will delve into the Lower Basin's water situation, particularly in light of recent climatic events.

Sources for the series include various articles and reports on the impact of water management decisions and climate change on the Colorado River's future.