After a record-breaking season of low snowpack, Colorado is entering summer 2026 in a deep drought.
High temperature records have been broken every month since last October. The drought is already having widespread, cascading impacts — from farmers' fallowing fields and sacrificing water allotments for municipalities, to towns managing lower income tax from reduced winter recreation, to river rafting companies grappling with how to survive a summer with little to no income. Streams will dry up, and municipal water supplies will be threatened.
The story stretches downstream. Drought in the headwaters is also exacerbating a crisis on the Colorado River — with Lake Powell only expected to fill 13%, and multistate negotiations stalled over an agreement, the Bureau of Reclamation may step in and help manage the dwindling water.
CPR News is covering this unfolding story and its impacts on communities, the Colorado River, farmers and ranchers, outdoor recreation and the environment.
- Colorado is now in a statewide drought emergency
- What to know about water restrictions across Colorado
- Colorado River District launches emergency water plan to protect Western Slope communities during drought
- Snitch on your water-wasting neighbors with this new Denver Water form
- We answered your questions about the expected water shortfall this summer
- Vail Resorts take a big hit as visits go downhill in snow’s absence
- Why scientists still use a milk scale and antique aluminum tubes to track Colorado’s record-low snowpack
