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Record Low Snowpack Sparks Water Fears
9 Jan
Summary
- Colorado River forecasts show well below normal water supply.
- Record warmth and limited precipitation plague the winter.
- Lake Powell is only 26 percent full, far below average.
Water supply forecasts for the Colorado River system are alarmingly low, with current data indicating "well below normal" levels. This critical situation is driven by record-warm temperatures and limited precipitation throughout the winter, leading to poor snowpack accumulation and dry soil conditions.
As of January 9, 2026, Lake Powell is only 26 percent full, significantly below average. The Colorado River system is vital, supplying water to approximately 40 million people and irrigating over 5 million acres of farmland in the western United States.
Experts express deep concern, noting that the system's storage is depleted and current conditions are unsustainable. Without substantial improvements in snowpack and soil moisture, the region faces difficult choices regarding water management and hydropower generation.
