Wednesday Top of the Scroll: ‘Dismal,’ ‘depressing’ and ’seriously dry’: Low snow threatens Colorado River water supply
The latest forecasts for Colorado River water supply are strikingly poor, and the impacts of a dry winter on the region are starting to come into sharp, upsetting focus. Wide swaths of the Rocky Mountains saw meager snowfall, setting the region on course for the driest conditions in recorded history. That shortage could threaten major reservoirs, dams and the water supply for central Arizona. About 85% of the Colorado River starts as mountain snow, largely in Colorado, Utah and Wyoming. Scientists described the conditions as “seriously dry,” “dismal” and “depressing” in an otherwise rote briefing on the state of Western drought hosted by federal forecasters.
Other Colorado River management news:
- Las Vegas Review-Journal: Interior Sec. Burgum advocates for Colorado River water deal during Las Vegas visit
- E&E News by Politico: Key forecast predicts dire Colorado River conditions
- KUNC (Greeley, Colo.): Colorado River supply forecast melts after March heat wave
- KSL (Salt Lake City): ‘We’re in a really tough shape’: Lake Powell’s grim outlook only getting worse
- Arizona Capitol Times (Phoenix): Arizona business and political leaders need to work together on Colorado River messaging, advocates say
