Northwest Colorado is no stranger to dry years, but 2026 is shaping up to be one for the books. With a record-low snowpack, rising temperatures and extremely limited runoff, the State of Colorado, as of June 4, has declared a statewide drought emergency, leaving ranchers across the Yampa-White-Green River basin facing difficult decisions that affect both their livelihoods and their way of life. … This year, the impacts are already being felt across pastures, hay fields and water systems. Many ranchers are reporting lower forage production, dry stock ponds and reduced irrigation supplies. As a result, some have made the tough choice to reduce herd sizes earlier than planned, while others are hauling water long distances just to meet basic livestock needs. 

Other drought impact news:

• The Salt Lake Tribune: As Utah’s drought worsens, here’s how to keep your trees alive
• NBC9 (Denver, Colo.): Low snowpack in Colorado affecting wildflowers