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The Colorado River provides a critical source of water to the southwestern United States. However, 2018 has brought record-low snowpack levels, making it the driest 19-year period on record. This drought and low-runoff date back to 2000, making it one of the worst drought cycles over the past 1,200 years. Last week I called on all of the Colorado River basin states to put real – and effective – drought contingency plans in place by the end of the year.
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May 18, 2018
The Colorado River provides a critical source of water to the southwestern United States. However, 2018 has brought record-low snowpack levels, making it the driest 19-year period on record. This drought and low-runoff date back to 2000, making it one of the worst drought cycles in the past 1,200 years.
Last week, I called on all of the Colorado River basin states to put real – and effective – drought contingency plans in place by the end of the year. The seven states have unanimously supported this goal in a news release you can see here.
Our most up-to-date information shows a high likelihood of significant water reductions throughout the Colorado River Basin in the years ahead. Forecast models predict a 52 percent chance of shortage conditions at Lake Mead beginning in 2020, with a greater than 60 percent likelihood of shortage after that. The risk of declining to critical reservoir levels has approximately tripled over the past decade.
We need to take action, and we need to take it now. We cannot afford to wait for a crisis before we implement drought contingency plans. All of us—states, tribes, water districts, non-governmental organizations—have an obligation and responsibility to work together to meet the needs of the more than 40 million people who depend on the reliable water and power coming from the Colorado River.
While some actions have avoided a crisis so far, it is now time to complete these plans. There is no indication that the current low-runoff and drought conditions will end anytime soon.
It is time for prompt action within the Colorado River basin to address the extended drought and increased risk of a crisis.
Brenda Burman
Commissioner, Bureau of Reclamation
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Recent News
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The Bureau of Reclamation and City of Durango held a dedication ceremony this morning at the Lake Nighthorse Recreation Area located near Durango, Colo. The ceremony celebrated the collaboration and hard work between numerous stakeholders and partners to make recreation a reality at the site, including: the Animas-La Plata Conservation District, Animas-La Plata Operation, Maintenance, and Replacement Association, City of Durango, La Plata County, Reclamation, Southern Ute Indian Tribe and Ute Mountain Ute Indian Tribe. Learn More →
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2018 has brought record-low snowpack levels to many locations in the Colorado River Basin, making this the driest 19-year period on record. With the depressed snowpack and warming conditions, experts indicate that runoff from the Rocky Mountains into Lake Powell this spring will yield only 42 percent of the long-term average. With drought and low runoff conditions dating back to 2000, this current period is one of the worst drought cycles over the past 1,200 plus years. Learn More →
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The Bureau of Reclamation’s May 2018 Total Water Supply Available forecast for the Yakima Basin indicates the water supply will fully satisfy senior and junior water rights this irrigation season. Learn More →
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The Bureau of Reclamation awarded a $5,900,000 contract on April 6 to Natt McDougall Company, a small business from Portland, for construction services to modify Howard Prairie Dam near Ashland. Learn More →
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The Bureau of Reclamation recently awarded a contract for cultural resource work. The contract, valued up to $50 million, was awarded to Alpine Archaeological Consultants, Inc. of Montrose, Colo., Woods Canyon Archaeological Consultants, Inc. of Cortez, Colo., and Statistical Research, Inc. of Tucson, Ariz. This contract will allow the Western Colorado Area Office and Upper Colorado Region to obtain cultural resource-related services for various projects. Learn More →
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Area resource managers will be tightening requirements for launching trailered watercraft at Horsetooth Reservoir and Carter Lake boat ramps in the weeks to come. New requirements from the Eastern Colorado Area Office, Bureau of Reclamation, will mean that boat ramps will remain locked except when an inspector is present. Learn More →
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Water Treatment
The Bureau of Reclamation and City of Durango held a dedication ceremony this morning at the Lake Nighthorse Recreation Area located near Durango, Colo. The ceremony celebrated the collaboration and hard work between numerous stakeholders and partners to make recreation a reality at the site, including: the Animas-La Plata Conservation District, Animas-La Plata Operation, Maintenance, and Replacement Association, City of Durango, La Plata County, Reclamation, Southern Ute Indian Tribe and Ute Mountain Ute Indian Tribe.
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