… As warm and dry conditions continue in the West, the forecasts for the amount of water flowing through the Upper Colorado River Basin keep dropping. … And to top it off, the [Drought Response Operations] agreement that outlines how Upper Basin states, including Colorado, can help out in drought years expired Dec. 31, and it’s not yet clear from a legal standpoint what that means for this year. … The agreement, called the DROA by the water wonks, aimed to keep Powell’s elevation above 3,525 feet above sea level. … It’s one of several agreements that expire this year and must be replaced, including Mexico’s Colorado River agreement and reservoir operation rules from 2007. … Colorado’s mountains harbor a vital water supply that melts and runs through four major rivers and 19 downstream states each year. 

Other Colorado River Basin news:

• Las Vegas Review-Journal (Nev.): Congress could let Colorado River water recycling grant program expire
• Vail Daily (Colo.): Colorado is gearing up to fight for water rights as the Colorado River stalemate continues
• NBC Palm Springs (Calif.): How will California water cuts affect the Coachella Valley?
• NBC9 (Denver, Colo.): Colorado River crisis and the 2026 legislative agenda
• Aspen Journalism (Colo.): Pitkin County looks to boost Roaring Fork streamflows with water purchase
• Calexico Chronicle (Calif.): Opinion: Civil servants arrange buffet for Colorado River negotiators
• University of Colorado, Boulder: Blog: Considerations for assigned water after expiration of the 2007 guidelines